From Classrooms to Global Boardrooms: How TISS Made Me a Healthcare Leader.

Now, if you’ve ever Googled "Best Hospital Administration Courses in Asia," I’m pretty sure TISS tops that list — and for a good reason. It’s where ambition meets action.

Spoiler alert: This isn’t going to be one of those cookie-cutter testimonials. I’m here to give you a peek behind the curtain, where I went from a curious student to a healthcare professional with a global footprint. But first, let’s rewind a bit.

Every superhero has their origin story, and while I may not wear a cape (on most days), my career journey definitely had its pivotal moment. It all started at Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in Mumbai, a place I fondly call the launchpad of my career. Looking back now, I can say with absolute certainty that my decision to pursue Master's in Hospital Administration at TISS was the plot twist that turned my story into a global success.

Where It All Began: TISS, the Game-Changer

To call TISS a "game-changer" would be a massive understatement. It wasn’t just about lectures, textbooks, and exams — it was about perspective. When I enrolled little did I know that this decision would be the turning point in my career. This isn’t your regular run-of-the-mill course — it’s the crème de la crème of healthcare education in Asia. Think of it as the Ivy League for healthcare management, only with more masala and a lot more chai.

While most MBA hopefuls run toward the usual business schools, I took a slightly different route. TISS offered something unique: a course that wasn’t just about numbers and balance sheets, but one that looked at healthcare from a human-centered lens.

The sheer depth of the curriculum blew my mind. We weren’t just learning how to manage hospitals; we were taught to rethink the very fabric of healthcare delivery. We explored everything — from innovative patient care models to the delicate balancing act of resource allocation. It was here that I found my calling and realized that healthcare was more than just a system; it was a symphony waiting to be orchestrated. And, let me tell you, TISS handed me the baton.

From the very first lecture to my last project presentation, TISS felt like an incubator for ambitious minds who wanted to change the healthcare system. I found myself surrounded by driven peers and mentored by professors who didn’t just teach—they ignited passion. And the best part? The network. Oh, the network!

The Launchpad: Career Growth on Steroids

After TISS, it felt like someone had handed me the golden ticket to a world full of opportunities. The rigorous academic training didn’t just sharpen my skills; it opened doors I never even knew existed. Suddenly, I was in boardrooms discussing healthcare strategies with leaders from different walks of life.And now, I find myself not just in India, but in the UK, talking about patient care and hospital management as if I’d been doing it for decades.

And let’s be honest, nothing says “You’ve made it” like navigating two distinct healthcare systems (and not losing your mind in the process).

TISS also did something that no online course or textbook could have done: it built my network. I left with not just a degree but a rolodex of connections. And I’m not just talking LinkedIn connections — I’m talking real-life people who, to this day, are part of my professional circle. From fellow students who’ve gone on to lead their own organizations to professors who are still mentors, the TISS network is pure gold.

TISS’s alumni are scattered around the world, making waves in healthcare management, and their influence doesn’t just stop at the campus gates. The connections I made at TISS opened doors I didn’t even know existed. I’ve had the privilege of working on projects across the globe—from India to roles in the UK.

Global Impact: From Humble Beginnings to Healthcare Leadership

Fast forward to today, and here I am, reflecting on how a simple decision to enroll in TISS changed my entire trajectory. I’ve had the privilege of working in both Indian and international healthcare systems, and it’s fascinating how the lessons from TISS continue to shape my decisions every day. The program didn’t just teach me about hospitals; it taught me how to lead, how to innovate, and, most importantly, how to stay grounded. The leadership skills, the practical knowledge, the human element of healthcare—all of it converged to shape me into the professional I am today.

Sure, I’m proud of where I’ve reached — from working with world-class institutions to impacting patient care on a global scale. But it all started with a single step: TISS. Sometimes, when I’m deep in a project or giving a talk to healthcare leaders, I think back to those TISS days. And yes, I’m filled with gratitude.

Closing Thoughts: Your Journey Starts Here

If you’re reading this, wondering how you can find that pivotal moment in your own career, let me be the one to tell you: it starts with a bold decision. For me, that was choosing TISS. And whether you're in the healthcare field or not, investing in the right education and network can be the catalyst that takes you from good to great.

As I look back on my time at TISS, I can’t help but feel overwhelming gratitude. It was more than just an academic experience; it was the cornerstone of my success. I’m proud to be part of an institution that not only trained me for a career in healthcare management but also inspired me to make a genuine difference in the field. It’s a journey that will challenge you, shape you, and prepare you to take on the world.

So here’s to TISS — the best decision I ever made, and the launchpad that turned my career into a global adventure. And to you, reader — If you’re looking for your own turning point, this might just be it.

Author : Bhargavi Ashvin Rajput

BSc., MSc., MHA, MBA (Healthcare Management)

Growing not just as a healthcare professional but as a Global Leader.