Blending Operational Excellence with Patient-Centered Innovation

Supriya Sarkar currently serves as the cluster head of Shalby Hospitals across Surat, Vapi, and Mumbai, where he leads transformative initiatives that elevate clinical outcomes, patient experience, and operational performance. With over a decade of experience across public and private health systems, his background in hospital management and patient safety leadership well positioned him for the Safety, Quality, Informatics, and Leadership program’s interdisciplinary approach. “I’ve worked on quality improvement, accreditation, market research, and patient safety at various levels, but I was looking for a structured way to bring it all together,” he says. “This program gave me that platform.”

In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Safety, Quality, Informatics, and Leadership program, our participant perspective series is spotlighting individuals who exemplify the program’s mission to improve health care through data-driven leadership, bold innovation, and global collaboration. In this issue, we feature Supriya Sarkar, a seasoned health care executive in India, who reflects on how the program continues to influence his leadership journey, enabling him to catalyze change across the hospital system.  

Sarkar applied these new skills directly in his capstone project: a comprehensive infection control program (CICP) to reduce surgical site infections (SSIs) at Bankers Heart Institute. The project implemented protocols that aligned with those of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), from antibiotic stewardship to patient engagement. “We saw early reductions in SSIs, higher compliance, and measurable cost savings,” he notes. The program has since been expanded across multiple hospitals.

Learning Through Leading

When asked about the most noteworthy parts of his experience, Sarkar was quick to highlight the leadership training. “One of the most memorable sessions was a dynamic, case-based leadership exercise often referred to as the ‘Bush Fire’ scenario,” he says. “It was thought provoking, high energy, and truly impactful—pushing us to think quickly, lead under pressure, and collaborate effectively.” He also notes the sessions on adaptive leadership for challenging his assumptions and encouraging deeper reflection. “Those conversations changed how I think about influence and decision-making in complex environments.”

As part of the program, participants are grouped into smaller teams to collaborate on assignments and expand their learning through peer interaction. For Sarkar, this structure added tremendous value. “We had such a diverse, dedicated group. The collaboration, support, and exchange of ideas elevated the entire journey,” he shares.

A Renewed Vision and Commitment

Beyond knowledge and skill building, Sarkar says the program reshaped his mindset. “I came away with a broader vision, deeper empathy, and a renewed commitment to human-centered health care. It changed me as a leader and as a person.”

His advice to future applicants? “If you’re passionate about transforming health care, Safety, Quality, Informatics, and Leadership is a powerful catalyst. The program challenges you to think critically, lead boldly, and collaborate meaningfully. You’ll come away with knowledge, but also a community of changemakers and a renewed sense of purpose.”

Written by: Pamela Searle