Vani Patel ’23MHA
Vani Patel ’23MHA is propelling her career in health administration to the next level — while also giving back to a community close to her heart — through a prestigious fellowship with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
The Master of Health Administration alum was selected for the Veterans Health Administration Graduate Health Administration Training Program (GHATP), a highly selective national fellowship that places emerging health leaders at VA hospitals across the country. Patel was assigned to the Ralph H. Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Charleston, South Carolina. She is simultaneously pursuing her Doctor of Health Administration (DHA) at the nearby Medical University of South Carolina.
The one-year fellowship is a rotation-based program that provides an opportunity to learn from various departments in the VA healthcare system, ultimately preparing fellows for positions in healthcare management. Patel works on an array of projects to increase understanding of the different facets of healthcare operations and management, attends executive meetings and sits on various committees to expand her professional network. To round out the program, she will also complete one major project based on her specific area of interest — women’s healthcare access.
Patel’s interest in working for the VA stems from both her professional goals and her personal background.
“I’m very grateful for this opportunity,” Patel says. “Working with the VA has always been a passion because of my family. I’m an immigrant, and this country has given me so much. I believe in giving back, especially to the people who have made this country safer for all of us.”
It’s also something close to her heart because her brother currently serves in the U.S. Army, and her cousin is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.
“My family made me realize I wanted to do something to give back,” Patel says. “I also have always wanted to work in healthcare. I thought that even if I didn’t enlist myself, I could still serve by providing care to those who have. Plus, my family members will be veterans one day, and I want to be part of ensuring they receive the care they need.”
After graduating from UCF, Patel began working in the private insurance sector while continuing to pursue her goal of finding a fellowship within healthcare. Her persistence eventually paid off when she entered her doctoral program and was accepted for her dream role.
“UCF played a huge role in helping me get here — especially the professors, who have supported and advised me even after graduation,” she says. “Based on my experience, I always advise current students to get involved, network and make connections. Those relationships will shape your future.”
Today, Patel continues to stay connected and give back by mentoring current UCF students through a mentor pod, offering guidance on internships and career development.
“I believe every day is a new learning opportunity,” Patel says. “I learned from every ‘no’ I received. Those experiences helped me figure out what I needed to improve and that I was made for this. When I finally achieved it, the happiness I felt was worth it.”
Patel hopes to continue working for the VA after completing her one-year fellowship. She also dreams of opening her own healthcare organization one day, potentially focused on women’s health or dentistry.
“After this program, I absolutely want to stay with the VA,” she says. “They have a great culture and environment where everyone is very accepting, and our opinions are valued. I’m looking forward to growth opportunities. I want to make an impact. That’s the best part about working with the VA.”