Alumni Success Story: Dr. Gloria Wu

Reinventing Medicine, Leadership, and Faith Through LAPU’s MBA Program

At Los Angeles Pacific University, we often say that education is not only about gaining knowledge — it’s about stepping boldly into what’s next. For Dr. Gloria Wu, that “next” began in the midst of global uncertainty.

A physician and surgeon with degrees from Harvard and Columbia, Dr. Wu could have easily remained where she was. Instead, during the height of COVID-19 — after losing nearly 80% of her patients — she chose reinvention.

“I needed a reset,” she shared. “I thought, what if medicine changes? What if everything changes?”

That question led her to LAPU’s MBA program — and to an entirely new chapter of leadership, innovation, and faith-driven purpose.

A Global Journey Rooted in Resilience

Dr. Wu’s story begins far from Southern California. She was born in Cuba, learned Chinese as her first language, Spanish as her second, and English as her third. She became a naturalized U.S. citizen at age 12 through her mother.

An immigrant, a multilingual learner, and eventually a practicing physician and surgeon, Dr. Wu has spent her life navigating multiple worlds at once. When she began her MBA at LAPU, she was still actively running her medical practice — balancing office overhead, a mortgage, and the responsibilities of patient care.

“I felt this might be my third act,” she explained. “If I was going to reinvent myself for the next decade, I should embrace change.”

She also had a long-term vision: to continue practicing medicine well into her 80s — but in evolving ways. An MBA, she believed, would allow her to expand beyond clinical care and into leadership, innovation, and healthcare systems strategy.

Why LAPU? Faith, Flexibility, and Affordability

With degrees from two of the world’s most recognized institutions, Dr. Wu approached her MBA decision thoughtfully. What ultimately drew her to LAPU?

• A fully online format that fit her demanding schedule

• An affordable tuition model that made sense while running a practice

• A faith-based curriculum aligned with her values as a practicing Presbyterian

  
  

“In a way, it was an answer to my question to God — what is my next step?”

At LAPU, business education wasn’t separated from spiritual reflection. For Dr. Wu, that integration mattered deeply.

“I loved the faith-based questions at the end of the assignments. It felt like a Bible study of sorts.”

Leadership, Innovation, and a New Perspective on Healthcare

During her MBA journey, Dr. Wu stepped into new roles that expanded her understanding of modern healthcare.

While enrolled at LAPU, she became:

• Chief Medical Officer of a startup

• Chief Operating Officer the following year

Through these roles, she gained hands-on experience in health data, artificial intelligence, and emerging healthcare technologies.

“I learned so much about the sector of health data — and data in general,” she said. “It gave me perspective on medicine in the 21st century.”

Simultaneously, she served as President of a 4,900-member medical society during her first year at LAPU — applying leadership lessons in real time.

One course that stood out was Professor Vance Nichols’ leadership class.

“He taught me about leadership styles for women and men. I thanked him at graduation. I hugged him.”

Another meaningful influence was Professor Frans Flores, whose final project deepened her understanding of faith and business integration.

“I learned so much about God and business.”

Redefining Success: “Beyoncé Your Career”

When asked how she defines success, Dr. Wu offers a perspective that is both playful and profound.

“Success is however you define it.”

She describes her MBA decision as a way to “Beyoncé” her career.

“Beyoncé was already a global icon. Then she did Cowboy Carter and went country western. I wanted to reinvent myself for the next decade. So I did.”

For Dr. Wu, success was not about prestige — she already had that. It was about growth, adaptability, and preparing for what the future of healthcare demands.

Brain Plasticity, Faith, and Lifelong Growth

Dr. Wu also views education through a neurological lens.

She references research on brain plasticity and the growth of new synapses, supported by a protein called BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor).

“We want this Miracle-Gro for our brains,” she said. “All of us.”

For her, LAPU was exactly that.

“LAPU is like Miracle-Gro for your life.”

Continuing education wasn’t just professional development — it was cognitive investment, spiritual formation, and long-term vitality.

A Message to Prospective Students

To those wondering whether LAPU compares to more widely known institutions, Dr. Wu’s response is simple and direct:

“I loved my experience at LAPU. I cannot say enough good things about my 24 months.”

And if she could leave students with one word?

“YES.”

“The world will tell you no. Focus on yes.”

A Third Act Rooted in Faith and Purpose

Dr. Gloria Wu’s journey reminds us that education is not reserved for one season of life. It is an act of courage — especially when undertaken after decades of achievement.

From immigrant beginnings to medical leadership, from Harvard and Columbia to a faith-based MBA at LAPU, Dr. Wu chose growth over comfort, reinvention over stagnation.

Her story reflects the heart of Los Angeles Pacific University’s mission: integrating faith, learning, and purpose in ways that equip leaders for the evolving needs of the world.

For Dr. Wu, the MBA was not just another degree.

It was preparation for the next decade.

It was leadership in action.

It was Miracle-Gro for the mind.

And above all, it was a resounding yes.