Dr Oshani Dissanayake, a global health expert with 17 years in medicine, is leveraging UCL’s Executive MBA Health to bridge clinical insight with strategic impact. With a career rooted in infectious diseases, microbiology, and global health, Dr Oshani Dissanayake has built a professional path at the intersection of clinical medicine, academic research, and health strategy. Her experience spans the NHS, international work with Médecins Sans Frontières, and specialist training in London, alongside an emerging research portfolio focused on antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Embarking on the Executive MBA Health programme at UCL Global Business School for Health was a pivotal step, motivated by the recognition that solving global health challenges requires more than clinical expertise. Oshani sought to complement her 17 years of medical training with a strategic understanding of the systems, markets, and policies that shape healthcare delivery. Reflecting on the programme, she notes: “The EMBA has been transformative. It has not only equipped me with the language of business and strategy, but also given me a new way of thinking about impact in healthcare, across patients, systems, and industries.” One of the most significant opportunities was a consultancy project with IQVIA, where Oshani explored how AMR could disrupt haematology–oncology trials and future market growth. This work brought together her medical background, her passion for AMR, and the strategic toolkit gained through the EMBA. The project highlighted the importance of framing scientific issues in ways that resonate with industry and demonstrated how multidisciplinary insights can generate actionable solutions for clients. Alongside her EMBA studies, Oshani is pursuing doctoral research in AMR, further deepening her expertise in this critical area. Looking ahead, she aims to continue working at the intersection of science, medicine, and strategy, with a focus on addressing systemic health challenges. Summarising the impact of the programme, she reflects: “The EMBA has shown me how unconventional career paths can create new opportunities for impact. It has prepared me to work across sectors, translating clinical insight into strategy, and strategy into better outcomes for people.”

Khushil Nathwani, recipient of an EMBA Health Excellence scholarship, is transforming dental care in Kenya through sustainable innovation, global leadership, and a commitment to accessible healthcare. I’m a cosmetic dentist and healthcare entrepreneur from Kenya. I graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 2016 with a degree in Advanced Aesthetics and Restorative Dentistry, an experience that completely transformed how I view modern, patient-centred care. By the end of 2017, I moved back home and established my own dental practice in the heart of Nairobi. Drawing from my time in the U.S., I transitioned my clinic from an analogue system to a fully digital and technology-driven practice, allowing for greater precision, efficiency, and sustainability in treatment. Today, I also serve as a key opinion leader for several major dental companies and have had the privilege of presenting at leading international dental conferences, where I share insights on how sustainable dental procedures can be integrated into everyday practice. My journey has been about blending innovation with purpose — finding ways to make dentistry not just better, but smarter and more accessible. I chose the Executive MBA Health at UCL Global Business School for Health because it brings together everything I was looking for — leadership, innovation, and a truly global perspective on healthcare. The programme’s flexibility was a major factor for me; it allows me to continue my clinical practice while still engaging deeply with the coursework. The recorded lectures and online learning platform make it possible to balance professional commitments with study, which is invaluable for someone working full-time in healthcare. UCL’s multidisciplinary approach, world-class faculty, and the opportunity to learn from healthcare leaders around the world made it the perfect fit to help me expand my impact beyond the clinic. Receiving a scholarship is both an honour and a huge source of motivation. It’s not just financial support — it’s recognition of the work I’ve done and the vision I’m striving toward. It reinforces my belief that innovation and dedication in healthcare can create meaningful change. I’m incredibly grateful to UCL for believing in that vision and for giving me the opportunity to grow as a healthcare leader who can drive positive, sustainable impact in my community and beyond. Looking ahead, my goal is to grow as a healthcare leader and make a meaningful impact in the sector — whether in Kenya or internationally. I hope to continue expanding my practice into integrated dental and wellness centres that focus on prevention, education, and innovation, while also advocating for sustainable, accessible healthcare systems. Beyond my own work, I want to mentor future healthcare professionals and contribute to initiatives that shape the future of healthcare delivery globally. Ultimately, my vision is to drive positive change that blends compassion, innovation, and leadership to improve lives everywhere.