UCL GBSH Student of the Week: Simol Khadka

A short biography

Originally from Nepal, before studying at UCL Global Business School for Health, I completed my undergraduate degree at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. After graduating, I worked in People and Culture (HR) and communications at Possible Health, a mental health research NGO in Nepal. In that role, I supported community nurses and field enumerators working on the frontlines of healthcare delivery. Being close to the people who shape healthcare systems at a community level sparked my interest in understanding how leadership, management, and data can strengthen health systems and make them more equitable. That experience eventually led me to pursue my Master’s at UCL GBSH. 

What inspired you to choose your Master’s programme at UCL GBSH? 

What drew me to this programme was the intersection between healthcare and management. During my time working in a healthcare research organisation, I saw that delivering equitable healthcare is not only a moral question but also a managerial one. 

The effectiveness of healthcare systems often depends on how well teams are supported, how resources are managed, and how decisions are implemented on the ground. 

GBSH stood out to me because of its interdisciplinary approach. The programme encourages systems thinking and brings together perspectives from management, policy, and health systems. It felt like the right environment to better understand how leadership and organisational structures shape healthcare delivery. UCL’s strong commitment to equity and diversity also resonated deeply with my personal values. 

What has been the most impactful part of your GBSH experience so far? 

For me, it has always been the people. The friendships I’ve built, the lecturers who challenge our thinking, and the wider community at GBSH have been incredibly inspiring. Being surrounded by people from different professional and cultural backgrounds constantly pushes me to think about healthcare from new perspectives. 

I’ve also really valued how the programme encourages us to think in systems rather than silos. Courses exploring health systems, financing, and analytics constantly remind us that healthcare outcomes are shaped by many interconnected factors, not just clinical care. 

Which skills have you gained here that you believe will make the biggest difference in your career? 

One of the most valuable skills I’ve gained is the ability to work with and interpret health data. Through courses in Python and health data science, I’ve learned how to analyse datasets and translate insights into meaningful conclusions. 

Equally important has been developing a systems perspective, learning how to look at healthcare challenges not in isolation, but as part of a broader ecosystem involving policy, management, economics, and community needs. 

What professional opportunities have been most valuable to you? 

Guest lectures and industry engagements have been particularly valuable. Hearing directly from professionals working across the NHS, health consultancies, and global health organisations gives us insight into how the concepts we learn in class translate into real-world practice. 

Group projects and seminar assignments have also been meaningful opportunities to apply analytical and research skills to real health system questions. 

How has your time at GBSH shaped or accelerated your career goals? 

My time at GBSH has helped me clarify that I want to work at the intersection of health systems, policy, and data. 

The programme has given me the analytical tools and systems perspective to think more strategically about how data, policy, and leadership can work together to improve healthcare delivery. 

What advice would you give someone considering applying to GBSH? 

If you’re interested in thinking about healthcare not just from a clinical perspective but from a systems and leadership lens, it’s an incredibly rewarding place to study. GBSH sits at the intersection of business, policy, and healthcare, and that diversity of perspectives is what makes the programme so valuable.