Navigating the future of healthcare with La Trobe’s Master of Digital Health
4 Min Read
La Trobe University’s online Master of Digital Health course is equipping professionals with the expertise needed to navigate the evolving landscape of healthcare. For Moomina Abdullah, a current La Trobe student and Deputy Director General at the Ministry of Health in the Maldives, the course presented a crucial opportunity to address the challenges she faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. We spoke with Moomina to learn more about her motivations to study a Master of Digital Health, her experience in the course so far, and aspirations for the future.
Why did you choose to undertake the Master of Digital Health?
The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly reshaped healthcare delivery worldwide, including in the Maldives. While working in the Ministry of Health, I faced significant challenges in gathering and analysing health data from multiple islands to inform policy decisions and manage the crisis effectively. The need for real-time data collection and efficient health information systems was increasingly apparent. To address these challenges and improve our response to health issues, I recognised the necessity of a deeper understanding of how digital health tools can optimise healthcare delivery and policy making.
The La Trobe Digital Health course offers a comprehensive curriculum covering data management, virtual & telehealth, trends in digital health, and policy development. By completing this course, I aim to deepen my knowledge of digital health tools to enhance healthcare delivery and policy making. This expertise will enable me to serve the Maldives better, improve healthcare outcomes, and strengthen our national health system.
What have been your favourite subjects in the course so far?
In the Digital Health course , my favourite subjects have been:
Trends in Digital Health (DIG5CTD)
This subject has been particularly engaging as it provides a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements and innovations. Understanding emerging technologies and their potential impact on healthcare delivery has been exciting and insightful.
Virtual Care and the Internet of Medical Things (DIG5VTH)
Exploring virtual and telehealth has been a highlight due to its practical applications and relevance in today’s healthcare landscape. Learning about how virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and telemedicine platforms can enhance patient care and expand access to healthcare services has been both informative and inspiring.
Strategic Digital Transformation of Health (DIG5001)
This subject has been fascinating, focusing on the broader strategic aspects of integrating digital health solutions within healthcare systems. It covers effectively planning and implementing digital transformation initiatives, ensuring alignment with organisational goals, and improving overall health system efficiency.
What have you found most challenging in the course so far?
One of the most challenging aspects of the course has been understanding how to integrate digital health technologies into existing healthcare systems, particularly given my non-technical background. Grasping how various platforms and systems work together seamlessly while maintaining stringent data security and privacy standards has been complex and difficult.
Despite these challenges, the course has been invaluable. It has provided essential insights and practical strategies for navigating these difficulties, equipping me with the knowledge and skills needed to address and overcome obstacles related to my non-technical background effectively.
Please share a bit about yourself – what do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy staying active and exploring the outdoors. I’m passionate about running and often hit the gym to stay fit. One of my recent highlights was running a half marathon along the stunning Great Ocean Road, which was both challenging and exhilarating.
I also love hiking and exploring new trails. Being active keeps me physically fit and helps me clear my mind and recharge. These activities are a great way to balance my professional life and maintain a healthy, energetic lifestyle.
Where would you like to be in 5 years’ time?
In five years, I see myself taking the lead in digital health innovation and making substantial contributions to healthcare systems in the Maldives. Utilising the knowledge and skills acquired from La Trobe’s Digital Health course, I aim to drive initiatives incorporating advanced digital health technologies into our healthcare infrastructure. This integration will improve both service delivery and policymaking.
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.