Texas A&M University-Mays Business School Partners with Humana for Healthcare Analytics Success
This year, Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School joined forces with Humana Inc. to recognize outstanding student talents in the eighth annual Healthcare Analytics Case Competition. The event gathers some of the brightest analytical minds who tackle crucial healthcare challenges with innovative solutions.
Growth of a Premier Competition
Since its inception, this competition has evolved into one of the nation’s leading platforms for healthcare analytics. With participation from over 900 master’s-level students hailing from 74 prestigious universities across the country, it sets a high bar for academic excellence and real-world problem-solving.
A Commitment to Impact Learning
Nate Y. Sharp, the dean of Mays Business School, stated, "The Healthcare Analytics Case Competition exemplifies our commitment to providing students with opportunities that resonate with real-world challenges." His enthusiasm reflects the joint effort of Mays and Humana to cultivate learning experiences that not only enrich student understanding but also address pressing issues within the healthcare sector.
2024 Competition Highlights
The competition posed a pivotal challenge: how to enhance Medicare health plan member engagement with Primary Care Providers (PCPs). The participants were tasked with devising a predictive model to pinpoint members unlikely to visit their PCPs within a year, and to propose creative strategies to boost this engagement. This year’s prompt emphasizes the crucial role of regular healthcare visits in achieving better health outcomes.
Recognizing Top Talent
Among the stellar participants, the first-place honor was awarded to a team from the University of Louisville, composed of Hope Odubena, Susan Miracle, and Sakthiraj Kandasamy. They showcased exceptional analytical skills and innovative thinking, earning them recognition and accolades.
Following closely, the second place was claimed by Boston University’s team, featuring Abiraami Balambikai, Ahmed Farid Khan, Mingze Wu, and Yichen Tong. Finally, Oklahoma State University secured the third position with the efforts of Sunanda Sen, Moumita Sen, Debanik Chakraborty, and Kusuma Lanka.
Upholding Excellence through Judging Criteria
The judging panel evaluated the teams on key criteria that highlighted their analytical prowess: the depth of quantitative analysis, professionalism in data representation, and the ability to draw meaningful conclusions from their insights. These benchmarks ensure that only the most comprehensive and impactful presentations are recognized.
Historic Winners Reflecting Academic Brilliance
Past winners have demonstrated a continuous tradition of excellence in healthcare analytics. Universities such as Syracuse University in 2023 and the University of California, Los Angeles in 2022 have left their marks. This historical context reinforces the competitive spirit and academic rigor inherent in the event.
The Broader Impact on Healthcare
James Norberg, VP of ISO Insurance & Product Security, expressed pride in the participants, noting their significant contributions to advancing healthcare solutions. The insights gained from the projects not only benefit the students' learning journey but also the greater healthcare community, including patients and health plan members.
The competition's virtual format was inclusive, welcoming full-time and part-time graduate students from accredited programs across various disciplines, emphasizing the multidisciplinary nature of healthcare challenges.
About Mays Business School and Humana Inc.
Mays Business School is dedicated to cultivating future leaders equipped with the necessary skills to navigate and influence the business landscape positively. With a proud tradition of experiential learning, Mays continues to develop innovative programs for over 7,400 students.
Humana Inc. is equally committed to prioritizing health through tailored insurance services and healthcare solutions. Their mission aims to simplify health management for millions, ensuring accessibility to essential care when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the goal of the Healthcare Analytics Case Competition?
The competition aims to challenge students to apply their analytical skills to real-world healthcare problems, fostering innovative solutions for better health outcomes.
How many students participated this year?
Over 900 master’s-level students from 74 universities participated in this year’s competition.
Who won the top position in the competition?
The first-place honor was awarded to a team from the University of Louisville.
What was the focus of this year's competition?
This year’s challenge revolved around improving Medicare health plan member engagement with Primary Care Providers.
What organizations were involved in this event?
The competition was a partnership between Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School and Humana Inc.
