Professor George Telthorst

Q: Tell us a little about you! (family, pets, interests) 

 A: I am from St. Louis so I am a big St. Louis Cardinals fan.  I have three daughters.  I “attempt” to play golf a few times each year and also enjoy reading history.

Q: Short description of the course you teach in the MSHM curriculum. How does the course you teach bring value to future health?

A: My two courses, X519 Life Sciences from Research to Patients, and X518 Life Sciences Global Trends  expose students to the breadth of the healthcare industry through a large number of guest lecturers and “real world” projects

Q: Research –

A: I direct the Center for the Business of Life Sciences. It has a group of faculty, The Life Sciences Research Fellows, who work on a variety of topics related to the industry.

Q: Are you currently working on any large projects or research initiatives?

A: I organize three conferences on topics related to the industry each school year. The remaining two for 2022-23  will be on Feb 24,  The Uniqueness of Healthcare and Life Sciences Marketing, and on Apr 21, Digital Health – The Buzz vs. the Reality.  Students are encouraged to attend and can do so for free.  Students should contact me if they’d like to join us at them.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your work?

A: After getting my MBA and considering several offers in different industries, I chose the medical devices industry to help people and make a difference. Knowing that my students will do so in the future is gratifying.

Q: What brought you to Indiana University?

A: After working in the industry for over twenty years and running a local medical device plant for six years, the opportunity to join IU/Kelley and help the industry was very appealing.  My daughters were thrilled, as well, because Bloomington had become home and they wanted to stay in the area.

Q: What is the most helpful advice you’ve received?

A: After graduating from college, I was on active duty as an Army officer for five years.  I learned not to be afraid to admit I don’t know something and ask the sergeants who’d been around a lot longer than I had for help and advice.

Q: Do you have any advice for MSHM students who are about to become transformational healthcare leaders?  

A: Take to heart the lesson I learned about admitting what you don’t know and seeking help from all parts of an organization.