Awijit’s journey from pharmacy to health service management

Awijit Khadka’s time working for a government hospital in Nepal inspired him to start thinking beyond his own frontline role as a pharmacist.

He wanted to understand how health services are organised, how resources are managed and how leadership can improve outcomes for patients and communities.

Originally from Hetauda, Nepal, Awijit completed a Bachelor of Pharmacy at Kathmandu University before working at Shree Birendra Hospital. He also gained experience in teaching and research, giving him the clinical, academic and administrative perspectives on healthcare that drove him to pursue formal training in health service management.

When considering possible universities, Awijit was considering more than just the academic content of courses. He also wanted individual guidance, and the chance to learn from people with different professional backgrounds.

After comparing several options, he chose the Master of Health Service Management at the University of Tasmania’s Ultimo Study Centre in Sydney, a decision that also placed him conveniently close to Sydney hospitals and health organisations.

And Awijit’s course has already fulfilled his core requirements of one-on-one teaching and experiencing a variety of perspectives and ideas from his fellow students.

“Group assignments, where classmates from completely different healthcare backgrounds, such as nursing, pharmacy and public health, worked together to solve real-world case studies, gave me perspectives I’d never have gotten working in a single hospital pharmacy back home,” he said.

His lecturers have helped him adjust to a different healthcare and education system. When concepts were unfamiliar, they took the time to explain them again or recommend further reading. The Student Services team also supported him in academic, administrative and personal matters.

Awijit’s friendships at the University have also helped to make Sydney feel like home, as he and his classmates study, share knowledge, and explore the city together.

The course has broadened Awijit’s understanding of health economics, policy, digital health and evidence-based management. It has also helped him connect his previous experience as a pharmacist with the strategic thinking needed to lead health services in the future.

“My goal is to move into senior healthcare leadership roles, such as department head, hospital administrator, healthcare consultant or pharmacist in charge,” he said.