Master of Digital Health Graduate Spotlight: Melina Solin
| 3 Min Read
La Trobe University’s online Master of Digital Health course is equipping professionals with the technical training, research background and hands-on experience needed to step into Digital Health careers. Melina Solin, a Master of Digital Health graduate and Research Assistant in the School of Psychology and Public Health, shares her goal of pivoting to digital health and enhancing healthcare delivery by expanding her expertise in digital healthcare models.
Why did you choose to take the Digital Health course?
I chose to study Digital Health to learn something new and innovative, and to explore how it could open up new professional opportunities. My interest grew during the early stages of COVID-19, as I saw how technology was being used to deliver healthcare. La Trobe’s digital health courses offered an ideal way to deepen my understanding and make a career pivot.
What was your favourite subject?
One of my favourite subjects was Virtual and Telehealth* because it helped me understand the potential of virtual care models to improve access and patient experiences. It sparked my interest in exploring user experiences and how virtual care can be integrated into healthcare systems.
I also enjoyed the Research Methods subjects, which taught me how to frame questions that could be answered through research and data collection. These subjects gave me tools to design studies that gather meaningful insights – skills I have applied in my research on user experiences in virtual care.
What did you find most challenging in the course?
Coming from a non-IT background, I found the Programming and Database subjects to be a steep learning curve. On top of that, some of my subjects were run in 6-week blocks, which made it tricky to stay on top of the weekly content and prepare assignments within such a short time frame. While it was challenging at first, it pushed me to develop new skills and build confidence in unfamiliar areas.
Please share a bit about yourself – what do you like to do in your free time?
I love walking, biking, and staying active outdoors in my free time. Hand-knitting is one of my biggest joys – a skill I learned as a child and have developed over the years. I find it both creative and calming, and I love attending knitting festivals to immerse myself in the craft. I also have a deep love for winter and snow – cold weather makes cosy knitting projects even better!
Where would you like to be in 5 years’ time?
In five years, I hope to contribute to projects that improve digital health and make healthcare more accessible. This year, I am excited to begin my Professional Doctorate at La Trobe University, focusing on generating evidence that supports the evolution of digital healthcare models. I am also looking forward to seeing the Digital Health Society of La Trobe continue to grow and connect like-minded students passionate about shaping the future of healthcare. Most of all, I want to know that my work makes a real difference in people’s lives.
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.
*Please note there is a more recent version of this subject available, for the most up-to-date curriculum information please refer to the Master of Digital Health handbook.