Mihir Ranjit Koppikar, a Master of Management student at The University of Melbourne, recently completed an internship that offered more than just professional growth — it reshaped his understanding of healthcare innovation and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Working on the Genomically Informed Active Surveillance in Intermediate Risk Prostate Cancer project under The Advanced Genomic Collaboration (TAGC), Mihir joined a team of four student interns from diverse academic backgrounds to tackle a complex challenge: supporting men with favourable intermediate risk (FIR) prostate cancer in making informed decisions about genomic testing and active monitoring.
“This project opened my eyes to how multifaceted healthcare innovation works,” said Mihir. “It’s not just about financial feasibility, but about creating meaningful, empathetic tools that empower patients in their decision-making journey.”
Mihir said his days were structured and dynamic — from morning huddles and stakeholder meetings to collaborative planning sessions that refined his professional skills, particularly in stakeholder engagement.
“I learned that effective stakeholder engagement goes beyond communication — it’s about trust, clarity, and agility,” Mihir said. “You have to be responsive, absorb feedback, and adapt your approach.”
Despite coming from a non-medical background, Mihir quickly immersed himself in the nuances of genomics and cost-effectiveness analysis. A standout concept for him was QALY(Quality-Adjusted Life Years). “It shifted my perception of the healthcare industry; value isn’t just measured in dollars, but in patient well-being and quality of life,” he shared.
Mihir also emphasised the value of multidisciplinary teamwork. “Working with peers from different faculties helped me approach problems more holistically. I began to appreciate how essential diverse perspectives are in shaping solutions that are both innovative and inclusive.”
The experience has further enriched his career ambitions. “While my goals remain in business development and project management, I now have a deeper appreciation for long-term value and stakeholder-cantered design — lessons I can apply across industries.”
Reflecting on the experience, Mihir encouraged other students to consider a TAGC internship. “You’ll be part of an incredibly supportive team, work on impactful projects, and gain skills that go far beyond your field. Just be sure to ask questions early on — it’ll help you align better and avoid missteps. That’s something I wish I’d done sooner.”
Read more about the project: https://www.tagcaustralia.com/projects/geni-airspace