Making Policy Personal: Keshaav Krishnaa Pothapur MHA ’25
Keshaav Krishnaa Pothapur ’25
Degree: Master of Health Administration
For Keshaav Pothapur, the journey to the Sloan Master of Health Administration program at the Brooks School began in Chennai, India, where he worked as a dentist. In his clinical practice, he witnessed stark disparities in affordability and access to care, experiences that motivated him to seek out the skills and leadership training needed to address these systemic challenges.
“The Sloan Program has equipped me not only with the tools to tackle these issues but also with the leadership competencies to lead by influence and think with empathy,” Pothapur said. “I developed these skills not just in the classroom, but also through opportunities like Colloquium, Healthcare Students Association, and Sloan Student Association.”
When considering graduate programs, Pothapur prioritized strong academic foundations paired with a robust alumni network. Cornell’s Sloan Program stood out for its emphasis on meaningful connections and early career support. “The alumni engagement here is extraordinary,” he said. “It felt like the right place to grow.”
Coursework in process improvement and change management sharpened his problem-solving abilities, while his summer internship gave him a chance to apply those lessons directly. “My internship was pivotal in shaping my interests and laying a strong foundation for my career,” Pothapur said. “The in-class experiences were invaluable in helping me carve a clear path toward success.”
Community was also a defining aspect of Pothapur’s experience. “From day one, I felt a sense of belonging,” he said. “Peers, faculty, and staff were always there to support me. That feeling of inclusion has been a constant throughout my two years, and it’s something I aspire to carry forward into my career.”
After graduation, Pothapur joined Boston Medical Center as an administrative fellow.
The Sloan Program in Health Administration
For more than 70 years, Cornell’s Sloan Program in Health Administration has prepared graduate students for leadership roles across the healthcare industry through its two-year residential Master of Health Administration degree program. The program combines business and management training with a deep understanding of healthcare systems, public health, and health policy, equipping students to lead organizations with an emphasis on quality, access, efficiency, and innovation.
Students in the program develop expertise in finance, accounting, operations, marketing, and healthcare strategy while preparing for careers in hospitals, healthcare consulting, pharmaceutical companies, long-term care organizations, and government agencies. Sloan graduates are recognized for their adaptability, innovation, and leadership across a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.
Master of Health Administration (MHA):
Lead at the intersection of business and health care in one of the nation’s most respected health management programs.
