Radhika Ippatoori, GB'23

November 29, 2021
As a physical therapy manager, Radhika Ippatoori, GB'23, is not a traditional graduate student.

As a physical therapy manager, Radhika Ippatoori, GB’23, is not a traditional graduate student. “I have been planning to pursue an MBA for the last few years,” she said. “I want to learn more about management and enhance my skills as a better manager and leader.” 

The idea of the “traditional graduate student” has changed in recent years as more professions realize the benefits of foundational business knowledge in achieving career aspirations and increasing professional marketability. With her medical background, Ippatoori brings a unique perspective to classroom discussions and peer learning, hallmarks of The Richmond MBA program.  

Born and raised in India, Ippatoori attended SDM College of Physiotherapy at Karnataka University in India. She later came to the U.S. to pursue an M.S. in physical therapy with a specialty in orthopedics and sports injuries at Quinnipiac University in Connecticut.

“My undergraduate degree provided a pathway into healthcare and my years of experience as a physical therapist nurtured me as a person, strengthening my emotional capacities and humanistic focus,” Ippatoori said. “The skills I learned—organizational, corporate dynamics, interpersonal, time management—provided me the stability and confidence to complement my graduate studies.”

In her role as a physical therapy manager for Premise Health she provides healthcare services for Capital One, managing the physical therapy clinic and evaluating and treating associates and their dependents on the organization’s campus. 

While researching graduate programs Ippatoori came across the Mini MBA offered through the Robins School of Business Executive Education. The 14-week course provided an opportunity to get a glimpse of the MBA experience which enticed her to apply. 

During Opening Residency, the two-weekend orientation for the program, Ippatoori says she was very nervous. However soon after she found her footing and began enjoying learning new subjects, especially accounting and economics, and staying engaged through the challenges each course brings.

“As soon as I started the program a lot happened. I am learning from my peers, professors, classes, mentors, and program staff. I am here to embrace the unique skills and perspectives this graduate degree offers,” she said. “I see myself in the future growing in my career with this degree. I know it will make a big difference, and I want to keep all the doors open and explore the world.” 

Ippatoori practices her spiritual Indian heritage as a trained Indian classical dancer through Bhakti Yoga. She also enjoys traveling, reading, painting, still photography, and taking on new adventures. She lives with her husband and two daughters in the suburbs of Richmond.