In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, where hospitals and healthcare systems embrace innovation and redefine care, professionals with management expertise have become indispensable. How hospitals coordinate and deliver healthcare services is crucial in shaping the quality of patient care. Unlike clinical staff directly involved in treatment, healthcare managers fulfill a unique, multifaceted role that cannot be understated. They contribute directly and indirectly to ensuring that patient care and the entire spectrum of healthcare services are seamlessly managed.
Symbiosis Institute of Health Sciences (SIHS) stands out for its commitment to developing the next generation of healthcare management professionals dedicated to societal impact. Recognized for its dedication, diligence, and the seamless integration of thought, word, and action, SIHS addresses the holistic nature of healthcare. Acknowledging these efforts, we are honored to present SIHS with the Business School of the Year 2024 title at the Education Excellence Awards 2024.
A Rigorous Approach to Healthcare Education
Symbiosis Institute of Health Sciences (SIHS), a distinguished part of Symbiosis International (Deemed University), has developed a range of advanced professional programs designed to equip healthcare professionals with the necessary tools to thrive in today’s competitive, specialized environment. SIHS offers an extensive variety of programs, including an MBA in Hospital & Healthcare Management, M.Sc. in Medical Technology, Master of Public Health (MPH), M.Sc. in Assisted Reproduction Technology & Embryology, and B.Sc. (Hons) degrees in areas such as Medical Technology, Radiotherapy, and Mental Health. Other programs include PG Diplomas in Assisted & Supportive Care, Healthcare Informatics and Analytics (PGDHIA), Digital Health, Diplomas in Hospital Infection Prevention, Control and CSSD Management, and Biomedical Instrumentation.
To ensure that its programs remain relevant and aligned with industry needs, SIHS follows a rigorous curriculum review process. This begins with the Program Review Committee, which evaluates the current curriculum in light of emerging trends and stakeholder feedback. Proposed changes are then discussed by the Board of Studies Sub-Committee, which includes insights from expert faculty and domain specialists. Following this, the curriculum undergoes further review by the Board of Studies, including academic and industry representatives. Final approval is granted by the Academic Council and the Board of Management, ensuring the highest educational and professional standards. SIHS also prioritizes engagement with industry leaders, recruiters, and alumni to keep its programs at the forefront of healthcare advancements.
Guided by Visionary Leadership
Recognizing that effective educational leadership is critical for an institution’s success, Dr. Sammita Jadhav, Director, and Professor at SIHS, exemplifies this by steering the institute toward excellence. To gain insight into SIHS’s mission and core values, we asked Dr. Jadhav to share her perspective. She explained, “The vision behind SIHS’s approach to merging healthcare management with business education is rooted in Symbiosis International University’s broader mission: ‘Promoting international understanding through quality education.’”
She added, “At the heart of SIHS’s philosophy is the belief in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the idea that ‘the world is one family.’” Dr. Jadhav elaborated on how this philosophy fosters a learning environment that embraces diversity and inclusion, preparing healthcare management professionals to address global challenges across cultures and borders.
Alongside Dr. Jadhav, influential leaders such as Pro-Chancellor Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar and Dr. Rajiv Yeravdekar, Provost of the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences (FoMHS), have been instrumental in shaping SIHS. Leveraging their strong medical backgrounds, they have integrated SIU’s strengths in management education to create a unique healthcare-business education model. This innovative approach addresses the complexities of the healthcare industry, where managerial skills are as crucial as clinical expertise.
Enhancing Student Opportunities
Thanks to the long-established affiliations and networks developed by SIU over the years, SIHS benefits from a range of key industry collaborations that significantly enhance student learning and career prospects. One of the institute’s flagship initiatives is the annual “HealthConfluence” conference, tailored specifically for MBA (Hospital and Healthcare Management) students. This event brings together top industry leaders from diverse healthcare sectors—such as hospitals, health insurance, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare IT—to share their valuable insights and expertise.
SIHS also hosts the Global CXO Summit, providing a platform for CXOs from leading healthcare organizations to interact directly with MBA HHM students. Additionally, the institute collaborates closely with prominent professional associations, including NATHEALTH, the Association of Healthcare Providers (AHPI), the Academy of Hospital Administration (AHA), and the Consortium of Accredited Healthcare Organizations (CAHO).
Moreover, SIHS offers students practical, hands-on experience through strategic partnerships with renowned organizations for On-the-Job Training (OJT) and Summer Internship Projects. Students gain real-world exposure by working with prestigious healthcare institutions such as PD Hinduja Hospital, Care Health Insurance, Cloudnine Hospital, Jupiter Hospitals, Abbott Pharmaceuticals, Apollo Hospitals, and Jehangir Hospitals. Furthermore, SIHS leverages its close ties with the Symbiosis University Hospital and Research Center (SUHRC) to offer experiential learning and live project opportunities.
Fostering Leadership, Innovation, and Research Excellence
SIHS emphasizes academic growth and fosters leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation through various initiatives that equip students for successful careers in healthcare business management. The Healthcare Innovation and Entrepreneurship Cell, in particular, is instrumental in this effort, connecting students with the startup ecosystem and offering valuable insights from health startup founders.
Research forms a cornerstone of SIHS’s academic and professional pursuits, with faculty members making notable contributions to health sciences and business management through their extensive publications in esteemed journals. A distinctive feature of SIHS’s research ecosystem is the active involvement of students, who co-author approximately 30% of research publications, often through internships and dissertation projects. The institute cultivates a dynamic research culture supported by its Journal Club, which serves as a hub for critical discussions, and the Institutional Research Committee (IRC), ensuring that all research aligns with its mission and ethical standards. Furthermore, the Research Mentoring Cell provides continuous guidance to students and faculty, fostering the development of impactful research initiatives.
In the Days to Come
“At SIHS, we take immense pride in the path we are carving for the future. We are shaping the landscape of healthcare management education by harnessing our core strengths, embracing innovation, and nurturing impactful partnerships. Our commitment to staying ahead of industry trends ensures that we prepare our graduates to be visionary leaders in the evolving world of healthcare business management,” concluded Dr. Sammita Jadhav.
