Dr. Sumera Fathima’s inspiring MBA journey with MAHE 

Dr. Sumera Fathima’s career history is filled with resilience, persistence, and aspiration. She is a BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) graduate with five years of clinical experience who had the courage to become not only a frontline doctor but also a healthcare leader. She is able to drive systemic change in the sector she cares for. This transition was possible by pursuing an Online MBA in Healthcare Management at Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), which was the turning point in her career. 

Pursuing a purpose beyond the clinic 

Dr. Sumera’s career started as an Assistant Doctor at a prominent center for female and cardiac patient care in Bangalore. Here, she built essential skills in patient care and clinical coordination. As time progressed, she noticed the increasing requirement for effectiveness, leadership, and background support in healthcare provision. 

“I could see that any change I expected to make to the healthcare ecosystem would only happen if I moved out of the clinic space,” she shares. This realization prompted the decision to get an MBA in Healthcare Management, aiming for robust leadership and operational skills development in the industry. 

Choosing MAHE: A name she could trust 

When deciding to pursue an MBA program, Dr. Sumera’s most significant factor was that the university should have a deep understanding of the healthcare ecosystem. MAHE, as a NAAC A++ accredited, UGC approved Institution of Eminence, was not only a top choice due to its tangible legacy in health sciences, but also because of its flexible, online learning format. 

“The curriculum was so effective, the faculty was very informative, and the guidance, especially from my mentor Abhineet Sir, was extraordinary,” she said. “It was not just a degree; it was a game changer to me.” 

Balancing studies and clinical responsibilities 

Pursuing an MBA while working full-time was difficult. Dr. Sumera handled early morning study sessions, weekend assignments, and full days of patient care. Rather than taking her dual role as a burden, she considered them complementary. 

“Everything I was learning about—from hospital operations to patient flow—was visible in real-time. This made the experience quite powerful and practical,” and that is how she felt throughout her course. She could set her own rhythm using the online format and take care of her clinical duties simultaneously. 

A journey of personal strength and conviction 

Dr. Sumera was certain that she wanted to do an MBA, but not everybody around her agreed. When she decided to study further, her family was quite doubtful, as they did not understand why she chose the management domain after being a doctor. 

With support from her mother and aunt, however, she decided to remain focused. “Faith, perseverance, and the belief in one’s own abilities were put to the test. And I think it was a wise decision to pay attention to those who encouraged me.” 

A new role, A bigger impact 

After her Online MBA in Healthcare management program she got placed as a Center Head at Vijay Srishti Fertility Center in Bangalore, where she combines both administrative leadership and clinical knowledge. Her duties include managing operations, leading patient engagement and expanding outreach through strategic initiatives. 

“MAHE’s Online MBA helped me with business skills and a leader’s confidence. The coursework was not only a theoretical but also, it was about transformation,” she says. 

Advice to future healthcare leaders 

Dr. Sumera provides the following advice to anyone who is considering a Healthcare Management Online MBA course: 

“Do it with purpose. This program helps you bridge the gap between the hospital floor and the boardroom. It equips you to lead with empathy, strategy, and vision.” 

She further insists that commitment is vital. “Online doesn’t mean easy. But with the right mindset, mentors, and motivation, you can truly change your career—and your impact.”