Beyond the Clinic: How Physiotherapist Divya Ubhan Stepped into Healthcare Leadership
Divya Ubhan graduated from SGRR College in Dehradun in 2016. She began her career in healthcare as a fitness trainer and physiotherapist, dedicated to helping people move better and live healthier lives. Over time, her passion for learning and growth led her into the world of healthcare operations and quality management.
Today, she works as an assistant manager at OnPoint Healthcare Partners, supporting US-based clients and leading teams, all while pursuing her MBA to continue growing as a healthcare leader.
In this interview, Dr. Haripriya R Nair, BDS, she opens up about her journey from the clinic to the corporate world, how she stays balanced, and what keeps her moving forward.
Dr. Haripriya R Nair: You’ve had quite an interesting journey — from being a fitness trainer and physiotherapist to healthcare leadership and now doing an MBA too! How has your journey been so far?
Divya Ubhan: Yes, it has been quite a journey, and one that I’m truly grateful for. I started my career as a physiotherapist and fitness trainer, which gave me a strong foundation in patient care, discipline, and a deep understanding of the human body and wellness. Working directly with patients taught me empathy, attention to detail, and the importance of personalized care.
As I transitioned into healthcare operations, I realized how much impact could be made at a systemic level. Managing teams, streamlining clinical workflows, and working on quality initiatives allowed me to contribute to healthcare delivery from a broader perspective. It was a shift from one-on-one patient care to impacting care at scale.
Overall, the journey has been rewarding and full of learning. Each phase has added a new dimension to my professional identity, and I’m excited about the path ahead, continuing to bridge clinical insight with operational excellence to improve healthcare outcomes.
Dr. Haripriya R Nair: What inspired you to pursue physiotherapy as a career? Which abilities do you consider to be the most crucial for a physiotherapist when deciding to pursue it as a career?
Divya Ubhan: What inspired me to pursue physiotherapy was my deep interest in the human body, movement, and the ability to help people recover and regain their independence. I was drawn to the idea of healthcare, but physiotherapy stood out because of its hands-on approach and the long-term relationships it builds with patients during their recovery journeys. Seeing how physical therapy could dramatically improve someone’s quality of life was incredibly motivating.
When deciding to pursue physiotherapy as a career, I believe the most crucial abilities include empathy, patience, analytical thinking, observation, physical stamina and coordination, along with strong communication skills.
Dr. Haripriya R Nair: As a consultant physiotherapist, what were the types of cases or clients you most commonly worked with?
Divya Ubhan: I had the opportunity to work with a wide range of cases, which included patients recovering from fractures, joint replacements (especially knee and hip), ligament injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation, strokes, spinal cord injuries, and conditions like Parkinson’s disease. I also worked with fitness enthusiasts who suffered from muscle strains, tendon injuries, and overuse syndromes, and elderly patients with balance issues, arthritis management, and general mobility improvement.
Dr. Haripriya R Nair: What factors do you commonly consider while designing personalized treatment plans for your patients?
Divya Ubhan: I consider the patient’s medical history, current condition, pain levels, mobility, lifestyle, and personal goals to create a safe, effective, and tailored treatment plan.
Dr. Haripriya R Nair: The phrase ‘sitting is the new smoking’ is often used to describe the risks of a sedentary lifestyle. From your experience as a physiotherapist, what are some of the most common postural or musculoskeletal issues faced by people with desk-bound routines?
Divya Ubhan: Common issues include neck and shoulder stiffness, lower back pain, poor posture, tight hip flexors, and repetitive strain injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome.
Dr. Haripriya R Nair: Coming from a clinical background, you’ve successfully transitioned into the corporate side of healthcare. What were some of the initial challenges you faced during this shift?
Divya Ubhan: One of the main challenges was adapting to the corporate culture, learning business processes, data-driven decision-making, and cross-functional collaboration. Shifting from hands-on clinical care to managing teams and operations required a new mindset and skill set, but it also broadened my perspective on healthcare delivery.
Dr. Haripriya R Nair: What skills, mindset shifts, or support systems do you believe helped you adapt and grow during this transition from clinical work to the corporate healthcare space?
Divya Ubhan: Strong communication, analytical thinking, and leadership skills were key. Adopting a growth mindset, being open to learning business concepts, and having mentors and supportive teams helped me adapt and thrive in the corporate healthcare space.
Dr. Haripriya R Nair: Burnout is something many new joiners experience, especially when transitioning into corporate roles. What’s your perspective on this, and what advice would you give to young professionals starting their careers in the corporate space?
Divya Ubhan: Burnout is real, especially during the transition phase. My advice: set boundaries early, prioritize self-care, stay organized, and don’t hesitate to ask for support. Focus on continuous learning, but also pace yourself; growth is a marathon, not a sprint.
Dr. Haripriya R Nair: You are currently pursuing an MBA alongside your professional responsibilities. What motivated you to take this step, and how has the experience shaped your perspective on healthcare and leadership so far?
Divya Ubhan: I pursued an MBA to deepen my understanding of healthcare management and gain strategic, financial, and leadership skills. It’s broadened my perspective, helping me see healthcare beyond clinical care, as a system that requires strong leadership, innovation, and efficient operations to drive meaningful impact.
Dr. Haripriya R Nair: Balancing work and further studies can be challenging — how do you manage your time and stay motivated?
Divya Ubhan: I prioritize tasks, plan my schedule carefully, and stay disciplined with daily goals. What keeps me motivated is my passion for healthcare improvement and the long-term value this learning brings to my career growth.
Dr. Haripriya R Nair: Can you walk us through a typical day in your current role?
Divya Ubhan: My day usually starts with reviewing performance dashboards and key metrics for my team. I then attend client meetings to discuss progress, address any issues, and align on project goals. Throughout the day, I focus on team management: overseeing operations, resolving escalations, and supporting team leads. I also spend time on quality audits, process improvements, and working on strategic initiatives like AI integration. The day often ends with planning for the next day and ensuring alignment across teams for smooth operations.
Dr. Haripriya R Nair: Do you still engage with fitness or physiotherapy personally or professionally in any way today?
Divya Ubhan: Yes, I do! While I’m no longer practicing physiotherapy full-time, I still stay connected to it personally through regular fitness routines and by applying principles of posture and movement in daily life. Professionally, my clinical background continues to inform my work, especially when managing healthcare operations, understanding clinical workflows, and training teams involved in clinical services.
Dr. Haripriya R Nair: Looking back at your journey so far, what are you most grateful for — both in your career and personal life?
Divya Ubhan: I’m most grateful for the diverse experiences that have shaped my journey, from hands-on clinical work to leading healthcare operations. Each phase taught me resilience, adaptability, and purpose. Personally, I’m thankful for the support of my family and mentors, who’ve encouraged me at every step. Their belief in me has been a constant source of strength and motivation.
MedBound Times extends a heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Divya Ubhan for sharing her valuable insights on our platform.
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