Guy David
University of Pennsylvania, The Wharton School
“If a student is fortunate, they may meet a professor who profoundly shapes their career trajectory for the better. For me, that person is Professor Guy David, who introduced me to the world of research in business academia. Today, a decade later, I am in my fourth year of pursuing a PhD in health economics at Wharton under his continued mentorship. What sets Professor David apart is not just his commitment to research but his investment in his students’ futures. At the time, I was planning to apply to medical school, but he introduced me to the MD/PhD path—one I hadn’t previously considered. He explained how it would allow me to practice clinically while also addressing broader questions in healthcare financing and delivery, equipping me with a unique skill set. Following his advice, I am now in my sixth year of the MD/PhD program, with Professor David as my dissertation committee chair. It has been an honor to continue collaborating with him since our first meeting during my undergraduate years.” – Angela Chen
Guy David, 53, is the Alan B. Miller Professor of Health Care Management at the Wharton School and Professor of Medical Ethics and Health Policy at the Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania. He is also the Chair of the Health Care Management Department and a research associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research.
David is the co-editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Health Economics and Management and is the former director of the doctoral program in Health Care Management and Economics.
His research interests include the dynamics of mixed-ownership competition in health care markets, evaluation of policies towards nonprofit providers, industrial organization and regulation of post-acute care, the economics and organization of emergency medical services, division of labor along the care continuum, and organizational innovation, including patient-centered medical care, retainer-based medicine, and hospital at home. In addition, he made important contributions to the welfare effects of specialty hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers, health equity for device-intensive interventions, and direct-to-consumer advertising and drug safety. Professor David won several research awards including the 2015 Health Services Research article-of-the-year award.
David teaches undergraduate, MBA, Executive MBA, and PhD courses in Health Economics and Health Care Delivery at the Wharton School. In 2017, he was the recipient of the Teaching Commitment and Curricular Innovation Award, which is awarded in recognition of contributions to the educational experience of Wharton’s students.
BACKGROUND
At current institution since what year? 2004
Education: Undergraduate and Masters degrees in Economics from Tel Aviv University, and PhD in Business Economics from the University of Chicago.
List of Undergraduate courses you teach:
- Healthcare Services Delivery: A Managerial Economic Approach
- The Health Care Ecosystem: Evolution, Structure, and Current Issues
- Health Economics
- Universal Health Care in Romania and Sweden (open to undergrads)
- Lessons Learned from Israeli Innovation (open to undergrads)
TELL US ABOUT LIFE AS A BUSINESS SCHOOL PROFESSOR
I knew I wanted to be a business school professor when: I started my PhD at Chicago GSB (now Booth) and realized that there is no topic that is outside the realm of studying as a business school professor. It was the perfect blend of abstract theory and the grounding understanding of institutions needed to make our research and teaching relevant.
What are you currently researching and what is the most significant discovery you’ve made from it? I’m currently working on a number of research projects that study different aspects of the balance between equity and efficiency in healthcare delivery. One of the most significant discoveries is how regulations designed to level the playing field have had a negative effect on access for patients with lower socioeconomic status. This suggests a more holistic view of health equity in the US.
If I weren’t a business school professor, I’d be… I’d be in a leadership role in either policy or industry, focusing on shaping and implementing strategies that drive meaningful change to improve patients’ lives. My passion for understanding and influencing systems—especially in healthcare—would guide me toward positions where I could advocate for impactful policies or lead initiatives with broad societal benefits.
What do you think makes you stand out as a professor? I believe it’s my passion for the subjects I teach, along with my commitment to challenging students and making the course relevant to their professional journeys. I strive to connect theoretical insights with practical applications, helping students see how these concepts apply directly to their future careers.
One word that describes my first time teaching: Energizing
Here’s what I wish someone would’ve told me about being a business school professor: I wish someone had emphasized the value of bringing my own research into the classroom. As one of our former vice deans put it, “The relationship between research and teaching is like that between sin and confession—if you don’t participate in the former, you don’t have much to speak of in the latter.” This wisdom has shaped my teaching approach, inspiring me to continually infuse my lectures with fresh insights from my own work.
Professor I most admire and why: I greatly admire Kevin Murphy (University of Chicago) for his ability to blend rigorous theory with practical impact in a way that made it all clear and approachable. His kind, empowering mentorship style, combined with setting high expectations for his students, has inspired my approach to research, teaching, and mentorship.
TEACHING BUSINESS SCHOOL STUDENTS
What do you enjoy most about teaching business students? I love working with students who are motivated not just by personal success, but by a genuine desire to make the world a better place. Their ambition to create positive impact—whether through innovation, leadership, or policy—brings a unique energy to the classroom and makes teaching deeply fulfilling.
What is most challenging? The heterogeneity in students’ backgrounds and knowledge levels can be challenging, as it requires balancing the course material to meet diverse needs. This range makes discussions rich and multidimensional but requires flexibility to ensure everyone gains valuable insights.
In one word, describe your favorite type of student: Curious
In one word, describe your least favorite type of student: Disengaged
When it comes to grading, I think students would describe me… as someone who strives to approach grading with fairness (considering each student’s effort), progress, and mastery of the material.
LIFE OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
What are your hobbies? I enjoy a mix of physical and creative activities. Riding my motorcycle, hitting the gym, and basketball (more watching and less playing as the years go by). I also love to travel, exploring new places and cultures whenever I get the chance.
How will you spend your summer? Teaching summer courses in Philadelphia and San Francisco, and making time for a family vacation.
Favorite place(s) to vacation: Europe, Japan, and the Caribbean.
Favorite book(s): The Four Agreements (Don Miguel Ruiz); A General Theory of Love (Thomas Lewis et al); All About Love (Bell Hooks); The Wisdom of Donkeys (Andy Merrifield); Me of Little Faith (Lewis Black); and Pretzel (Margret Rey).
What is currently your favorite movie and/or show and what is it about the film or program that you enjoy so much? My favorite show is Billions for its sharp exploration of power, ambition, and moral complexity. My favorite movies are The Shawshank Redemption for its powerful themes of resilience and hope, and The Meaning of Life for its wit, fearlessness, and ability to provoke reflection on life’s deeper questions.
What is your favorite type of music or artist(s) and why? Depeche Mode is my favorite. Their music has accompanied me through various stages of my life, from childhood to adulthood, resonating with me through different phases and experiences. As for type, Israeli music transcends both time and geography in a deeply personal way.
THOUGHTS AND REFLECTIONS
If I had my way, the business school of the future would have much more of this … At Wharton, we already strive to bridge academic insights with real-world impact, but I believe we can do even more to foster deeper connections between our students, faculty, and industry. A stronger focus on experiential learning and real-time problem-solving with business and community partners could further enhance our impact and help prepare students for the complexities they’ll face.
In my opinion, companies and organizations today need to do a better job at… filling the void left by politicians by adopting broader missions that address the needs of all stakeholders. With policy often lagging behind, companies now play a crucial role in promoting sustainability, equity, and long-term value, helping to create positive change for their employees, communities, and the environment.
I’m grateful for… the colleagues, teachers, and mentors who have guided me throughout my life. Their wisdom has influenced me not just professionally, but personally as well, teaching me resilience, curiosity, and compassion. Their guidance has shaped how I approach challenges, connect with others, and continue to grow both inside and outside the classroom.
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