Parth Alkesh Shah
Master of Health Administration, Class of 2026
Hometown: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Certificate/Specializations: Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
Activities at Rutgers: Student Grader; Professional Development Chair, Graduate Society of Healthcare Leaders
Parth Shah still recalls when inducing change became a core value for his career. As the Cultural Secretary of his medical college in Mumbai, he was responsible for coordinating volunteer healthcare awareness events, including one that left a lasting mark.
“For World Cancer Day, I played an essential role in planning and organizing a street play by college students, which raised awareness of Breast Cancer,” he recalled. “It reached nearly 450 patients, of which more than 300 were women. That event made me realize that organizing healthcare events is a profound part of serving the community. It helped me see that I could expand my passion through healthcare administration.”
Now a Master of Health Administration (MHA) student at the Bloustein School, Parth is building on his clinical foundation, having recently earned his bachelor’s in Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS) in India, to shape a future in healthcare leadership. “My journey in homeopathic medicine has equipped me with a unique perspective on healthcare, emphasizing the need for holistic and patient-centered approaches.”
He witnessed the challenges facing healthcare providers, including misinformation during the pandemic, lack of resources, and poor prescription dispensing, during his ambulatory care practice in the past few years. “It heightened my awareness of the intricate interplay between healthcare delivery and management, and ignited my ambition to contribute to the enhancement of healthcare systems,” he said.
“I want to engage in advanced research that addresses the understanding of healthcare businesses from a doctor or patient perspective.”
During his graduate program search process, the Rutgers MHA stood out for its well-rounded curriculum and reputation. “I knew I wanted to pursue my MHA in the U.S., specifically in New Jersey,” Parth said. “The comprehensive curriculum, distinguished faculty, and commitment to preparing students for leadership roles made the Rutgers MHA the obvious choice for me.”
He has also drawn strength from the close-knit academic community. “The professors here are truly outstanding,” he said. “Professor Campbell taught me how to be concise; Professor Kaye helped build my confidence in presentations. Professor Weiss and I connected on a deeper level—our thought processes are similar. And Professor Fennimore made every class engaging with team-building activities.”
In his first year with the program, Parth has already gained valuable insights by attending MHA Perspectives Lecture Series events, as well as career networking events hosted by Bloustein’s Student and Academic Services. “These events help bridge the gap between academic theory and the realities of the healthcare industry,” he said.
He is also pursuing a Green Belt certification in Lean Six Sigma, equipping himself with tools to tackle inefficiencies and drive system-wide improvements.
Looking ahead, Parth sees his journey unfolding in stages. “My short-term goal is to become an administrator in a healthcare organization that is seeking proper development in quality assurance and control of its services,” he explained. “As I progress, I hope to set a standard by helping to run a profitable organization without compromising on the services provided to the public. Ultimately, my dream is to become a healthcare CEO, where I’ll be a pillar of support, leading it to greater recognition.”
To future students considering the MHA program, Parth offers sincere advice: “If you are interested in healthcare but not the clinical side, healthcare administration is an impactful path. Bloustein’s recent national ranking shows just how strong and rapidly growing the program is.”
A licensed homeopathic physician in India, Parth considers himself an extrovert who thrives on learning through conversation. “I love cooking—especially trying new dishes from different cuisines,” he said. “I’m also a good listener, and I always try to create a safe space for people to open up. That’s one of the things that drew me to healthcare in the first place.”