Master of Digital Health Student Spotlight: Emmanuel Milimo
| 5 Min Read
La Trobe University’s Master of Digital Health is ensuring students graduate prepared with the necessary skills needed for the implementation and integration of innovative digital health tools in workplaces across Australia. With ambitions to become a digital health thought leader, Emmanuel Milimo undertook the course to sharpen his skills as he prepares for future digital health leadership roles. Through practical assessments and exposure to industry, he is successfully carving a new pathway to achieve his goals – most recently stepping into a new role as a Quality Coordinator in aged care.
What motivated you to undertake the Master of Digital Health?
Back when I was an undergrad student, I remember reading about how a hospital can transform its service delivery through technology. I was amazed at how nurses could use data to improve healthcare outcomes for their patients. In hindsight, I realise this was a digital health initiative and this story inspired me to continue reading and studying more about digital health.
My second opportunity came when I was on placement during my nursing degree, and I found myself managing digital health projects. I think it was just me following my passion without even realising it. This was during the COVID pandemic, where I worked on amazing projects utilising data and dashboards. I was leading a team to develop platforms to help the Kenyan government track COVID testing during the pandemic and was responsible for delivering data and analytics to decision makers.
Everything was going well until I realised I didn’t have the proper skill set to be a leader in the digital healthcare space. So in May of 2024 I quit my job, packed my stuff and came to Australia to study Digital Health with La Trobe, as I believe it has great potential to transform the healthcare system and this is what I was passionate about.
What have been your favourite subjects in the course so far?
I have enjoyed all subjects, because every time I go to class, I realise how I could have improved previous projects to achieve better outcomes. I find every aspect of the course very insightful, informative and engaging.
What have you found most challenging in the course so far?
I think for me the most challenging (and most interesting) part of this course is the fact that after studying something, I have to quickly put it in into practice through the assignments that we do every two weeks. To practice and execute every lesson I have in class has kept me engaged, and the strategic focus on skill development will help position me as a future digital health thought leader.
Please share a bit about yourself – what do you like to do in your free time?
I like to read and watch documentaries on leadership, technology, startups and global events. I also like to just hang out with my classmates after class to sample the large variety of cuisines on campus as we talk about global events from politics to technology and culture. This has helped me connect with many of my classmates who are from places across the world. It has been very insightful.
How did the program help to develop your skills and prepare you for your current role?
The Master of Digital Health course at La Trobe University has a very practical approach to learning and that’s why I really like it. I have developed key skills that are very important for me, from design to communication to systems thinking. The fact that I had to put into practice everything that I have learned through our assessments and group work has helped me sharpen my skills. Combined with the deliberate effort to connect students with industry, it has really helped introduce me to digital health experts and be in conversations that were very important for me to gain perspective on the healthcare industry.
With the guidance of my teachers, I’ve been able to connect with key organisations like the Australasian Digital Health Institute, as a student representative for Victoria. I’m also the current president of the Digital Health Society of La Trobe. I’m grateful for both opportunities as they have exposed me to industry and given me great networking opportunities that have really helped me build my skills as a leader.
In my role as quality coordinator for an aged care facility, I’m responsible for using data to prepare reports that analyse and track outcomes of events. The course has helped me to better analyse and develop reports for management through using design thinking skills learned in class to come up with effective solutions to challenges. Now, I’m more comfortable in my thought process and presentation of ideas, because I have a very solid scientific grounding to support my position.
Are there any examples you can think of in the coursework that have influenced your ability to get the role you’re now in?
I think it’s the ability to communicate clearly, and to have a very good logical framework to support your ideas even as you present them to potential employers. Having the skills to do your job well is important, as well as having passion for what you’re doing, because this will reflect on you positively and that kind of recognition is what you need.
Where would you like to be in 5 years’ time?
I see myself as a thought leader in the digital healthcare space, working at a multinational organisation on digital health projects and innovations as a consultant. I’m also very keen to work on innovative projects. I have a couple of ideas that I’m working on to see how I can develop them to solve healthcare challenges, especially in the developing world.
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.