MBA Health Student Spotlight: Dhruvi Pabari
7 October 2022
We speak to Dhruvi Pabari, UCL MBA Health student, about her background, career goals and why she's excited to begin studying for the UCL MBA Health.

Tell me more about your background – It would be great to find out more about your education and career so far.
I am a proactive and passionate individual aiming to enhance my career in a way that will make a positive impact on people’s lives. I studied Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) at the University of Nairobi and graduated in 2020. I spent one year at the Defense Forces Memorial Hospital, a Military based hospital in Nairobi as a medical intern officer. Here, I acquired critical practical skills while rotating in various departments of medicine – Internal Medicine, General Surgery, Orthopedics, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology and Mental Health. I had the opportunity to perform several minor surgical procedures for patients as well as Caesarian sections under a specialist’s supervision. I also participated in daily ward rounds, diagnosis and treatment of patients.
Currently, I am practising on a locum basis at The MP Shah Hospital, a private healthcare facility, and subsequently working at Get Well Clinic which is a community healthcare facility – enabling me to grasp the inequality of resources, budgetary allocations and policy development.
Why did you choose to apply for the UCL MBA Health?
While practising as a doctor, I soon realised the numerous gaps in the healthcare sector in Kenya and inefficiencies which could be overcome through effective management, clinical operation and delivery of healthcare services.
It was apparent that there was a shortage of personnel who had both the practical and business skill sets to bridge the gap of providing affordable and quality healthcare to patients. Having outlined some of the systemic issues plaguing the Kenyan healthcare system, I have identified that the UCL MBA Health programme will equip me with the necessary skills to meet the challenges faced by healthcare systems. Not to mention UCL is ranked among the top 10 universities in the world and is the world’s first business school dedicated to health.
What aspect of the UCL MBA Health programme are you most excited by?
The Global Health Challenge project is the most exciting part of the programme as I will have the opportunity to travel and explore how other healthcare systems in different countries work and use the business skills acquired to solve real-world health challenges.
Is healthcare management an area more business schools should be exploring? If so, why?
The answer to the above is affirmative as the global healthcare sector is lacking healthcare managers. High-quality healthcare is important to improve life outcomes, and it cannot be overcome with traditional business fundamentals. Individuals require specialised industry knowledge if they want to bring innovations to this sector.
Is there a particular area of global healthcare management that you are interested in? If so, why?
I am interested in developing business acumen in healthcare management with a focus in finance and regulation. These are essential skills not taught in medical school which are vital for me as a future hospital manager to execute efficient and cost-effective decisions.
What value do you feel a UCL MBA Health will add to your career moving forward?
The UCL MBA Health programme will help me stand out as a leader to tackle the dynamic and ever-changing healthcare field. Currently, in the healthcare field, it is important to address the systems, processes, digitisation, policies and more. I look to gain specialised blended skills in business and modern healthcare leadership as well as expand my professional network.
What advice would you give to prospective students thinking about applying for the UCL MBA Health?
Investing in yourself is one of the best returns on investments you can have. Whether it’s investing in learning a new skill or developing yourself personally or professionally, a world of opportunities will open up for you and allow you to become the best version of yourself.
Learn more about the UCL MBA Health