Dr. Vaishali K is the Professor and Head of the Department of Physiotherapy at School Of Applied Health Studies, Manipal Academy of Higher Education. With 23 years of experience in Allied Health Sciences, her expertise focuses on Cardiorespiratory science, Cardiac rehabilitation, Pulmonary rehabilitation, Ergonomics, Vestibular rehabilitation and Geriatric rehabilitation. Her research area is of Efficacy of Yoga and physiotherapy in Chronic Peripheral Vertigo-A randomized controlled trial. She is a registered guide for Ph.D. students and is a member of the International Academic Committee.

Manipal College of Health Professions

What are the key factors that keep you connected with the education sector?

“Teachers get to make a difference in the lives of students and shaping them into health professionals”

Teaching in the educational sector is a very mentally and physically challenging job. This job offers intangible awards. Nothing can beat the moment when a student who has been struggling with a concept “gets” it. The sight of their joy when they treat a patient and come back with success stories. Also, the nature of the work propels us to be updated with knowledge, research and technical skills. 

What is your philosophy of leadership and its unbiased implementation?

“Mixed models of modern & traditional leadership are proven to be efficient when heading a department” 

In big organizations, no two days will be the same so the leadership style should also be versatile. I believe in democratic leadership philosophy, wherein I rely on the whole team to make decisions. Their opinions and thoughts are always asked and considered in making a decision. Occasionally, I work with Laisser-faire leadership philosophy, where I give full liberty to my team members to carry out decisions. However, such a big organisation cannot run without a strategic, transformation style of leadership. Hence, I delegate individual responsibility for a particular task, also making sure to focus on establishing new benchmarks as a team.

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What can an inbound student gain from studying here in your institute?

“Unparalleled variety of accredited academic courses in a world-class environment and infrastructure”

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) has been granted Institute of Eminence status by the Ministry of Human Resource Development. 

  • The cost of education in MAHE for the services provided is much less than many other institutes. 
  • We also provide financial aid and scholarship to deserving candidates.
  • In MAHE, education is provided from bachelors to Ph.D. to help students shape their educational life completely.
  • MAHE also encourages various extracurricular student activities all around the year like quiz competitions, theatrics, debates etc.
  • We proudly boast about our alumni like Mr Satya Nadella (CEO Microsoft), Michelin star chef Vikas Khanna, Mr Rajeev Suri (CEO Nokia) to name a few.
  • The students study as well as relax in the pristine beauty of Manipal. Therefore, I feel the students have everything to gain after enrolling in MAHE.

How does the curriculum of MAHE-MCHP ensure the best practice of industry?

“The extensively researched curriculum in MAHE MCHP is industry and excellence-driven”

All the institutes under MAHE undergo a rigorous curriculum development, critical self-analysis and critical external analysis process. 

The curriculum in MCHP looks inwards by analyzing the previous curriculum, and outwards by studying what other institutes locally, nationally and internationally are doing. Additionally, I look forward to the student’s future requirements. The curriculum then developed is critically analysed by the experts in the concerned MCHP staff and sent to external field experts for validity. It is also revised and updated every three years. All these processes are monitored by ISO 9001 and NAAC standards since MAHE is ISO and NAAC certified.

What are your views on online education?

“Essential in today’s digital era, online education has both its pros and cons when it comes to skill-based learning”

I feel offline or online education, the ultimate aim should be to develop a student’s skill. Online education also has its advantages and disadvantages. It gives students full control over their learning, as they can work at their speed. Retention rates are higher in students with online learning. It also requires less investment and the student assessment becomes an ongoing process. However, for a hands-on skill-based learning curriculum like ours, online classes have disadvantages. Also, it lacks a human touch.

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What would you like people to know about your college they may not know?

“Experienced faculty, great infrastructure, international collaborations and strong industry affiliations”

  • We employ the latest teaching techniques, making extensive use of modern technology.
  • Our faculty members are part of professional bodies, and advisors at academic forums. 
  • We have various partnerships with industry to boost innovation, and help students in gaining skills that equip them for fulfilling careers. 
  • We have collaborated with foreign universities that are effective in deepening the knowledge and skills of our students and faculty. 
  • The institute has a well-organised placement team headed by the Associate Director and comprising faculty and student coordinators from each department. 
  • Through well-planned research projects, students learn the skill of research in the field, very much essential to excel further. 
  • There are world-class facilities and a business incubation centre. All this gives students a headstart in life and more.

Any suggestions you would like to give to the current youth and the aspiring students?

“Devote yourself to learning within and outside of the classroom to make the most out of the opportunities available”

I would like students to try creative thinking, brainstorm different ideas and not be afraid to fail. As you will learn a lot more from your mistakes than by treading on a safe path. There are no shortcuts to research or studies for that matter. As the saying goes “Have a burning desire in life to excel in whatever you do in life”. Is the mantra I would like to give aspiring students to achieve success in their career.