Master of Digital Health Graduate Spotlight: Randi Thanthiriwattage
| 4 Min Read
La Trobe University’s Master of Digital Health course is designed for healthcare professionals looking to enhance their repertoire and open doors to growing careers in digital healthcare. For Randi Thanthiriwattage, the program offered the perfect bridge between her background in Ayuverda Medicine and Surgery, and her passion to improve healthcare delivery. We spoke with Randi to learn more about her journey into digital health, her experiences in the course and how it prepared her for the digital health industry.
Why did you choose to take the Digital Health course?
After completing my Bachelor of Ayurveda Medicine and Surgery in Sri Lanka, I moved into a slightly different career path—an avenue that branched out from my studies but wasn’t the traditional route. I’ve always been someone who likes to think outside the box and take roads less travelled, so this shift felt natural.
While working in the healthcare industry, I decided it was time to pursue higher studies overseas. I explored options like biochemistry and biotechnology, but when I reached out to La Trobe University, they suggested two programs: a Master of Public Health and a Master of Digital Health. The moment I heard about Digital Health, it just clicked—I didn’t even need to think twice.
It perfectly aligned with what I was searching for as a healthcare professional: a way to leverage technology to improve healthcare delivery, making it more efficient and impactful. It felt like the perfect blend of my background in medicine and my desire to embrace innovation in healthcare.
What were your favourite subject/s in the course?
I really liked how the course allowed us to choose a specialisation and add electives to build extra skills.
My favourite subjects were Digital Health Design and Implementation and Strategic Digital Transformation of Health. They felt like real industry training, giving us both deep knowledge and a broad understanding of the field. The lectures included real-world examples, which made it even better.
Another standout was Business Applications of Analytics, one of the electives. It felt like a bonus! The course design and assessment style created a hands-on, practical environment that mirrored real industry scenarios.
What did you find most challenging in the course?
The most challenging part was managing time. The course provided so many valuable resources to explore and enhance our knowledge, but there just wasn’t enough time to dive deeply into everything. Balancing going through the materials and completing assignments was definitely tough, especially with the amount of content we had to cover, but it was a challenging experience that helped me learn a lot.
Please share a bit about yourself – what do you like to do in your free time?
I really enjoy networking, which is why I volunteer as a STEM Sister Ambassador—it’s a great way to connect with inspiring people. For my own health and wellbeing, I like going to the gym or taking a walk to unwind. I’m also passionate about research, so I spend a lot of my free time exploring new research ideas and opportunities—it’s something I genuinely love doing!
How did the program help develop your skills and prepare you for your current role?
Right now, I’m working as a Digital Health Engagement Executive, managing tasks like research and conference coordination, office administration, and supporting operations. The program really helped me develop the skills I need to handle these responsibilities. Subjects like Communicating Digital Health, Strategic Digital Transformation of Health, and Business Applications of Analytics played a key role. They taught me how to approach tasks systematically, communicate effectively, and even work on things like creating business proposals. These skills have been incredibly helpful in my current role.
Are there any examples you can think of in the coursework that have influenced your ability to get the role you’re now in?
Yes, definitely! One example is the subject Strategic Digital Transformation of Health, where I learned how to become a T-shaped professional. It’s all about having broad skills combined with a deep understanding of specific areas. This mindset has really helped me adapt to different tasks and contribute effectively. It’s a skill I use every day to collaborate with others and support operations.
Where would you like to be in 5 years’ time?
In five years, I see myself as a Digital Health Project Lead. I want to take on a role where I can drive innovative projects that improve healthcare through technology. Right now, I’m focused on building my skills and gaining as much experience as I can in the industry. Every project I work on teaches me something new, and I’m constantly learning to sharpen my abilities. I’m committed to growing both personally and professionally to achieve this goal.
Learn more about La Trobe’s Master of Digital Health course or get in touch with our team of Enrolment Advisors via (+61 3) 9917 3009 or onlinecourses@latrobe.edu.au.