On February 6th and 7th, 2025, Strathmore University Business School (SBS) opened its doors to the newest cohort of the PhD Programme in Healthcare Management, welcoming them into a dynamic community of scholars, mentors, and thought leaders. The two-day orientation was designed not just to introduce them to academic expectations but also to immerse them in the Strathmore spirit—a culture of excellence, integrity, and innovation.
The orientation began with an introductory session led by Dr. David Mathuva, Associate Dean of Academic and Student Affairs, who reaffirmed Strathmore’s commitment to academic excellence, ethical leadership, and holistic education. He emphasized the importance of intellectual curiosity and resilience, qualities that will guide students through their research and professional growth.
Navigating a PhD journey can be complex, but Dr. Benard Shibwabo, Director of the Office of Graduate Studies, helped students break it down. His session on “The PhD Experience” offered a roadmap of key milestones—doctoral research, coursework, faculty mentorship, and dissertation development. He also provided practical insights on balancing academic rigor with personal well-being, setting the stage for a fulfilling doctoral experience.
Adding to this, Prof. Frank Wafula, Associate Professor at the Institute of Healthcare Management and Academic Director for the Programme, provided a structured overview of the curriculum. He detailed learning modules, research methodologies, and academic resources, ensuring students had a clear grasp of the tools and support available to them.
Beyond coursework, navigating work, family, and personal commitments while pursuing a PhD is no small feat. Addressing this challenge, Dr. Joan Ndungu-Gitahi led a work-life balance session, sharing practical strategies to manage stress, maintain productivity, and prioritize well-being.
The second day shifted focus to academic and leadership skills. The morning kicked off with a Foundations of Academic Writing session by Dr. B. Wairimu Njeru, designed to hone students’ research, scholarly writing, and publication skills. This session provided essential techniques for structuring arguments, engaging with academic literature, and preparing for high-impact journal submissions.
But Strathmore’s PhD journey isn’t just about research, it’s also about ethics and personal development. In an inspiring Chaplaincy Talk, Fr. Paul Mimbi invited students to reflect on integrity, purpose, and service, reinforcing the university’s value-driven approach to education.
As they embark on this transformative academic journey, the 2025 PhD in Healthcare Management cohort steps forward with a clear academic roadmap, a supportive scholarly community, and a shared commitment to driving impactful healthcare solutions. With access to world-class faculty, mentorship, and research resources, these scholars are well-positioned to influence policies, advance healthcare systems, and shape the future of the industry—one breakthrough at a time.
The PhD in Healthcare Management aims to equip healthcare management systems managers with skills for leading, managing and doing research and analyses on various facets and challenges that confront healthcare organizations. Learn about this Programme here
Article by Juliet Hinga
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