Master of Digital Health Graduate Spotlight: Tom Churchward
| 3 Min Read
With more than 25 years of experience working in the healthcare industry, Tom has spent most of his career as a sleep scientist – and now leads the Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine as Head Scientist at Austin Health. Overseeing two large laboratory services, Tom’s work supports patients across the state with complex needs. But as healthcare becomes increasingly tech-driven, Tom recognised a need to update his skillset. Enrolling in the Master of Digital Health was a strategic step to ensure he could navigate challenges arising in healthcare, but also opportunities to drive innovation and improve patient outcomes.
What motivated you to undertake the Master of Digital Health?
Part of my role is to be able to drive change and keep developing innovative, evidence-based practices that improve patient outcomes. And so, I needed to update my knowledge and modernise my ‘toolbox’ to help lead our service in a rapidly changing world. Digital health is shaping the future of healthcare, and I wanted to be well-equipped to embrace and drive that transformation.
What were your favourite subject/s?
I loved the variety of subjects, and it’s hard to pick just one favourite! If I had to choose, it would be Digital Transformation in Healthcare. For me, it encapsulates what digital health is all about. Furthermore, the opportunity to learn directly from real-world experts was particularly inspiring.
What did you find most challenging about studying?
Returning to student life after so many years was both humbling and challenging — in the best possible way. Receiving constructive feedback reminded me how important it is to step out of my comfort zone and continue developing. It’s been a valuable experience that I believe has made me a better leader and learner.
How is digital health used in your role as a sleep scientist?
We look after patients who are on ventilators throughout the whole state, so people who can’t breathe enough because they may have motor neurone disease, a spinal injury or for another reason. The numbers of people needing ventilators is increasing and over the last 15 years or so, that service has gotten 8 times bigger than it was. However, hospitals don’t have 8 times as much budget to look after patients, so we must work smarter.
Currently, we’re doing a whole lot of work in trying to measure things in patients’ homes such as using feeds from their ventilators to the cloud or using big data to track whether patients need particular prioritised help or not. There’s a whole lot of digital health projects that are happening within the hospital and so we need people who understand digital health.
Please share a bit about yourself – what do you like to do in your free time?
I’m married with two (grown) sons, and I enjoy spending time with them whenever I can. I love keeping fit and listening to music. My playlist is quite eclectic, with everything from Burt Bacharach to the Chochla band—it’s a reflection of my love for variety and discovery.
Where would you like to be in five years’ time?
In five years, I hope to look back and say, “Wow! How did I manage to achieve all of that?” It’s less about having a rigid plan and more about seizing opportunities, focusing on doing what’s important well, and reassessing along the way. That approach has served me well throughout my 30-year career, and I couldn’t have imagined reaching the point I’m at today. With my new skills, knowledge, and connections, I’m excited to see where this journey takes me next.
Learn more about La Trobe’s online 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.