Student and Alumni Spotlights

Dipti Shah MHA '24

Beyond the Clinical: The Path from Physiotherapy to Hospital Administration

Dipti Shah

Master of Health Administration, Class of 2024

India
Activities at Rutgers: Vice President, Master of Health Administration, Bloustein Graduate Student Association 
Personal interests: hiking, exploring, traveling to experience different cultures, cuisines, and landscapes, cooking, mindfulness practices and spirituality

Dipti’s journey in healthcare was shaped by academic and real-world professional challenges. 

“Everything I experienced has solidified my conviction that the transformative power of effective administration ensures optimal patient care and organizational success,” she said. 

After completing a bachelor’s degree in physiotherapy, Dipti completed a six-month internship, gaining practical insights into the intricacies of hospital management. “I vividly recall a case involving postoperative spine surgery, where the hospital’s investments in advanced equipment significantly aided the patient’s recovery, highlighting the indispensable role of administration in facilitating patient care and outcomes.” 

She subsequently pursued a specialization in musculoskeletal physiotherapy toward her master’s degree in physiotherapy. As a senior physiotherapist at Lilavati Hospital Research Centre in Mumbai, on a day-to-day basis Dipti is responsible for treatment planning, patient counseling, and procedural documentation. 

“Throughout my tenure, I’ve witnessed firsthand how meticulous administration, coupled with routine training, upholds impeccable service standards and effectively addresses patient concerns, ultimately minimizing complaints,” she said. “While designing Standard Operating Procedures for physiotherapy patients, I’ve gained invaluable insights into the meticulous approach required in healthcare administration.” 

With a keen interest in leveraging emerging technologies and creative solutions to address complex healthcare challenges, Dipti is getting hands-on experience as an intern at WorldUpstart, a leading healthcare innovation and entrepreneurship firm. In this role, she can collaborate with cross-functional teams to explore ongoing market research, contribute creative insights during brainstorming sessions, and coordinate efforts to meet project milestones.  

“Through my academic pursuits and practical experience, I am dedicated to driving positive change and shaping the future of healthcare delivery. The supportive community and vibrant academic environment at Rutgers’ Bloustein School have provided me with invaluable insights and skills to excel,” she said. 

“I am pursuing the Rutgers MHA to broaden my perspectives on global hospital administration practices,” Dipti continued. In the future, she wants to focus on operations management and data analytics to optimize healthcare delivery systems, improve efficiency, and enhance patient outcomes through data-driven strategies.  

She encourages prospective students to approach the application process with enthusiasm, determination, and a clear vision for their academic and professional goals. “Take the time to thoroughly research the program, including its curriculum, faculty expertise, and specializations offered. Reach out to alumni and current students to gain insights into their experiences. Overall, my time at Rutgers has exceeded my expectations, and I am grateful for the positive impact it has had on my personal and professional growth.”