Master of Digital Health Student Spotlight: Hafsa Umar
| 4 Min Read
La Trobe University’s online Master of Digital Health is preparing graduates to excel in this exciting field, ensuring they’re equipped with the robust skills and knowledge needed to navigate digital health innovation in healthcare today. For Hafsa Umar, a dedicated digital health researcher and Master of Digital Health graduate, the course presented an opportunity to deepen her understanding of digital health technologies and inspired a new path forward, as she continues to expand her expertise as a PhD candidate exploring her passion for advancing cybersecurity resiliency in healthcare.
What motivated you to undertake the Master of Digital Health?
Coming from a background in optometry with a Bachelor’s in Ophthalmic Technology, my academic and professional life had always been deeply rooted in the healthcare sector. I was surrounded by peers who were clinicians and optometrists, immersed in medical conversations and systems that, at times, made me feel digitally disconnected from the outside world.
As the world rapidly moved towards digitisation, I realised that healthcare, too, was evolving, and I didn’t want to be left behind. When I began exploring postgraduate options and came across digital health, it felt like the perfect bridge between what I already knew and what I needed to learn to stay relevant in a tech-driven future.
This course allowed me to deepen my understanding of how technology can transform patient care, healthcare systems, and accessibility, all without straying too far from the core of who I am and what I’ve always been passionate about: improving lives through healthcare. It made me feel connected, capable, and future-ready.
What have been your favourite subjects in the course so far?
Since I consciously chose to pivot into Digital Health, everything about the course has sparked genuine curiosity. I enjoy being challenged, so diving into new concepts, whether it was programming, data analysis, or digital health design, kept me engaged and excited.
What truly stood out to me were the tutorials. Even in an online learning environment, the space for open discussion and diverse opinions made me feel connected to my peers. It felt collaborative and alive, which made the learning experience so much richer.
But if I had to choose, the research-focused subjects were my absolute favourites. Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Research Methods resonated deeply with me. These subjects weren’t just well-structured; they helped me discover a strength I didn’t fully know I had. They gave me the confidence to see myself pursuing research as a long-term career path, and that realisation has been one of the most rewarding outcomes of this course.
What have you found most challenging in the course so far?
For me, the most challenging part has been retaining everything we learned once the subjects ended. The pace of the program was quite fast, and each subject introduced a wealth of new concepts, tools, and frameworks, especially in areas like data, systems, and digital transformation.
While I loved the diversity of topics and the momentum it brought, I sometimes found myself wishing for more time to absorb and apply the knowledge in a hands-on way before moving on to the next module. That said, it also taught me the importance of ongoing learning and revisiting material beyond the classroom. I’m learning to treat it as a journey, not a race.
Please share a bit about yourself – what do you like to do in your free time?
Outside of my studies, I’m a mum to young kids and I really value spending time with my family. Most of my free time goes into taking care of them and enjoying the little moments we share.
I’m also very passionate about life coaching, especially for teenage girls. I enjoy helping them build a positive mindset and supporting them as they figure out their goals and challenges. It’s something that gives me a lot of satisfaction.
Where would you like to be in 5 years’ time?
Through this course, I discovered a strong passion for research, which led me to pursue a PhD in Digital Health, focusing specifically on cybersecurity in healthcare. It’s a big undertaking, as anyone in research would know, but it’s one I’m deeply committed to.
In five years, I hope to have completed my doctoral degree and contributed meaningful research that helps strengthen and protect healthcare systems, especially in the face of growing digital risks. My goal is to produce work that not only supports safer healthcare in Australia but also places our efforts on the global map in the field of digital health and cybersecurity.
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.