Pros
Dynamic Mission & Vision: Surgo Health has evolved from a think tank to a boutique consulting firm, and now to a product-first organization. Yet, its core mission—to advance equity in healthcare by understanding how people and systems behave—remains unchanged. This steadfast focus gives real meaning and purpose to a career in this field. Highly Talented, Diverse Team: Working alongside individuals with a wide range of expertise in AI, advanced analytics, neuroscience, behavioral health, and more creates an environment rich in learning and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Professional Growth & Learning Opportunities: The organization’s culture of encouraging new ideas and experimentation allowed me to wear multiple hats. This not only fostered personal growth but also expanded my skills in data science, data engineering, and cutting-edge AI techniques. I also found myself frequently sitting in the room with top executives at large healthcare institutions. This is not the typical experience you can have so early in your career at other organizations. Supportive Leadership: Leadership was always encouraging and provided the support needed to explore innovative solutions to complex problems. This support made it possible to thrive even in uncertain situations. Autonomy & Flexibility: The role offered significant autonomy, empowering team members to take ownership of projects and drive solutions independently—ideal for those who are self-motivated and thrive in less structured environments.
Cons
Ambiguity and Pivots: Due to the small team and evolving focus, the organization can often feel ambiguous. This may be challenging for individuals who prefer clear, well-defined deliverables, but could be advantageous for those that want to directly influence the direction of their company (I don't say that lightly - if you can develop an idea and execute, you have the full support of leadership). Wearing Multiple Hats: The necessity to juggle various responsibilities means that workloads can sometimes be demanding, and the lack of specialized roles might not suit everyone’s work style. Uncertainty with New Initiatives: Working on initiatives that have not been fully tested or established can be daunting, particularly for those who value a clear roadmap and measurable milestones.