Eric Youngberg

Title of Program: Healthcare Business and Economics

E-mail Address: eyoungbe@vols.utk.edu

Hometown: Brentwood, TN

Year: Sophomore

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2026

Description of Program:Physicians often find themselves, whether by circumstance or by choice, thrust into managerial and administrative roles in a hospital or clinic setting. However, the unfortunate reality is that the power granted by their title does not automatically mean they are in a position to excel in those roles. Smaller clinics could have so much more success if the physicians in charge had a better understanding of business practices, the ever-changing legal landscape around healthcare and ways to prevent fraud, and ways to make their clinics more accessible and impactful for members of their communities. The goal of this program of study is to combine a scientific, pre-medical course background with a holistic exploration of ways to navigate those challenges in a healthcare setting. To accomplish this, it splits classes between pre-medicine, business administration, economics, and healthcare-law-related courses, all with the goal of being able to make sound and effective decisions in the future as a practicing physician.

Departmental Emphases: Business Administration, Economics, Public Health, Biology, Biochemistry, Accounting

Plans After Graduation (career, graduate/professional school, etc.): After graduation, I plan to go straight into medical school, after which I would attend my residency and most likely a fellowship to become a practicing surgeon. I aim to one day run my own private practice, either alone or as part of a group of physicians.

Prior Enrollment at Other Colleges or Universities: N/A

Research Experiences or Internships: Summer 2024: Clinical research on partial knee replacements with Dr. Martin Redish, MD at Parkridge Hospital in Chattanooga

Part-time Employment; Hobbies; Campus Clubs/Activities: I love to be active. My main hobby is weightlifting/bodybuilding, but I take the chance whenever I get it to go SCUBA diving, backpacking, sailing, rock climbing—you name it. On campus, I am involved in volunteering with Remote Area Medical, and I am an active member of the American Medical Students Association and Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.