Master of Digital Health Graduate Spotlight: Himani Parekh
| 6 Min Read
After eight years in public healthcare, Himani Parekh’s path to digital health was a natural progression. Trained as a physiotherapist overseas, and having worked across multiple continents, Himani was driven to influence transformation on a broader scale – leading her to pursue the Master of Digital Health. It was her global perspective on healthcare systems that highlighted an opportunity to strengthen her technical skills and strategically leverage her clinical background to drive change within the sector.
“Digital health is where my passion and purpose align, leveraging cutting-edge technology to reimagine and elevate the healthcare experience, making it more connected, efficient, and human-centred.”
Why did you choose La trobe’s Digital Health course?
With over eight years of experience in public healthcare at Werribee Mercy Hospital and prior roles at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, my journey in healthcare has been both diverse and deeply rewarding. Trained as a physiotherapist overseas, my career took me across Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai, and France, where I supported my husband’s professional commitments while raising our daughter. Navigating varied licensing requirements in multiple languages temporarily paused my clinical practice, but it enriched my perspective on global healthcare systems and prompted me to re-evaluate how I could contribute to healthcare meaningfully.
Upon settling in Australia, I re-entered the workforce after a seven-year hiatus, starting at an entry-level role at Mercy Hospital. Through dedication and immersing myself in the Australian public healthcare system I gained deep, hands-on experience. This role, combined with my international experience, gave me a unique lens to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for innovation in healthcare delivery.
My passion for digital health was sparked by a desire to create sustainable, impactful change combined with the desire to build a long-term, sustainable career that leveraged my clinical background more strategically and innovatively. While physiotherapy is deeply fulfilling, it is also physically demanding. I wanted to pivot toward a role that enables me to influence change at a systemic level, enhancing clinical workflows, reducing administrative burdens, and ultimately improving patient care.
During maternity leave, I researched programs that aligned with my vision for healthcare innovation. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the urgent need for digital transformation, inspiring me to enrol in the Graduate Certificate in Digital Health, after an encouraging conversation with the course coordinator, Dr Urooj Raza Khan. The first subject validated my interests and goals, reaffirming that this was the right path forward leading me to commit to the Master of Digital Health.
I’ve always had a strong inclination toward streamlining systems, optimising processes, reducing administrative burdens and creating user-friendly solutions for clinicians, ultimately allowing them to prioritise patient care. Even in my current role, I actively develop and champion new workflows that challenge traditional norms, reduce duplication, and improve service delivery.
Digital health aligns perfectly with this passion, offering tools to bridge gaps in healthcare delivery and integrate fragmented systems. It allowed me to formally develop the skills needed to lead digital health initiatives, support system optimisation, and advocate for clinician-friendly technologies.
My ultimate goal is to help improve digital literacy among healthcare professionals and contribute to building more efficient, integrated, and patient-centred healthcare systems that positions Australia as a global leader in digital health innovation, where technology is not just a tool, but a catalyst for improving outcomes, empowering clinicians, and delivering better care for every patient.
What have been your favourite subjects so far?
What I truly valued about the course was its flexibility through specialisations and electives, which allowed me to tailor my learning and develop cutting-edge skills essential for driving innovation in healthcare. Each subject felt like genuine preparation for industry roles.
Big Data & IoMT stood out for its practical approach to analysing large-scale healthcare datasets. Our team developed a mobile app prototype using OutSystems to track falls in the elderly—an initiative that addressed real-world challenges. The hands-on labs simulated an industry-like environment, enriching the learning experience.
Trends in Digital Health offered insights into global healthcare innovations, exploring transformative technologies such as AI, telehealth, and virtual care.
An elective, Inside the Mind of a Hacker, was a hidden gem. It deepened my understanding of cybersecurity through scenario-based challenges, closely mirroring real-world threats faced by today’s healthcare systems.
My Industry Placement provided invaluable real-world experience involving system integration, stakeholder collaboration, and project implementation. It was a critical bridge between academic learning and practical execution, reinforcing my capabilities to lead digital transformation initiatives.
These diverse subjects, combined with the course’s adaptable structure, have equipped me with the confidence and skills to drive meaningful change in healthcare. As La Trobe’s first graduate specialising in AI within the Digital Health program, I’m eager to apply my knowledge to optimise healthcare systems and enhance patient outcomes.
What have you found most challenging in the course so far?
One of the most challenging aspects of the course was balancing the rigorous academic workload with my professional and personal responsibilities. The course offered an incredible wealth of valuable content, tools, and learning opportunities, and I needed to manage my time to explore everything while also fully meeting assignment deadlines.
Transitioning from a clinical background into a more technical and data-driven field added another layer of complexity, especially when working with unfamiliar digital tools, analytics, and programming concepts. Job-searching can also be difficult, sometimes discouraging when you’re in the middle of it, but I reached out to my course coordinator, the wonderful Urooj, who guided me on what kind of roles to look for and helped me realise my strengths and potential. Her support gave me clarity and helped me redirect my efforts in the right direction.
Afterwards, I was able to secure a role where my knowledge and skills are truly valued—a job that feels like a perfect fit and aligns with everything I’ve worked hard to achieve. Despite the challenges, this journey has been incredibly rewarding. With determination, the support of the Digital Health faculty, and encouragement from my amazing family, I’ve grown both personally and professionally in ways I’m proud of.
Please share a bit about yourself – what do you like to do in your free time?
Outside of work and study, I’d say I’m a bit of a health enthusiast! I enjoy cooking healthy meals and experimenting with new cuisines—it’s both relaxing and a fun way to stay creative. Staying physically active is a big part of who I am, so I love doing yoga or going for long walks with my Husband to recharge. I also have a soft spot for houseplants! Caring for them brings me a lot of joy and helps create a peaceful environment at home.
Where would you like to be in 5 years’ time?
In five years, I see myself in a strategic leadership role, such as a Senior Digital Health Consultant, driving AI-powered projects and innovative digital solutions that make a real difference in healthcare delivery. As I begin my journey in this field, my focus is on gaining in-depth experience, strengthening my technical and analytical capabilities, and understanding the complexities of healthcare systems from the ground up. With a commitment to continuous learning and collaboration, I aim to grow into a role where I can influence digital transformation on a broader scale and help shape the future of healthcare.
I am excited to connect with like-minded professionals and share insights on leveraging technology to shape the future of healthcare. Let’s drive change together!
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.