Bridging Cybersecurity and Healthcare: How a Master of Digital Health is shaping the future of healthcare
| 4 Min Read
After more than 25 years in cybersecurity, including leadership roles in major enterprises, Nigel Hedges was ready for a new challenge. Having already completed an MBA and a Master of Cybersecurity at La Trobe University, his passion for innovation and security led him to the Master of Digital Health. Motivated by personal experiences within the healthcare system, Nigel saw an opportunity to apply his expertise in cybersecurity to improve the safety and efficiency of Australia’s healthcare services. In this spotlight, Nigel share’s how the course has deepened his understanding of digital health, influenced strategic thinking, and inspired new ways to drive meaningful change in the sector.
Could you share a bit about your career and study background before you enrolled in La Trobe’s Master of Digital Health course?
I have been in the tech industry for now for over 25 years, almost exclusively in information security and cybersecurity roles across different industries. I’ve worked for quite a few global cyber companies, before moving into cyber leadership roles for enterprises. I did an MBA at La Trobe University over 2011 to 2013, where I got to study abroad for subjects in Dijon, France and Mexico City, Mexico. I will cherish those study experiences for life. I returned to do a Master of Cybersecurity part time in 2017 to 2019. During 2020 and 2021 I had five visits to hospital which gave me a huge insight into the challenges, but also the inspiring quality of healthcare we have in Australia. As a past boss would say to me, “we’re good, but imagine what we could do if we’re great?” I enrolled in the Master of Digital Health because I think it’s the difference that is required.
What motivated you to undertake the Master of Digital Health?
This is my third and final Master’s, and I am committed to finding ways to apply my knowledge and experience in meaningful ways that can contribute to improving the security of Australia’s healthcare services. I’ve really enjoyed my experience working in a healthcare-adjacent field and hope to use my new knowledge to contribute to future improvements in end-to-end healthcare service.
How can a Master of Digital Health enhance the expertise and strategic capabilities of healthcare leaders, including those in c-suite roles like yourself?
There’s been a tremendous amount of deep and broad insights that I’ve gained from doing the Master of Digital Health. I’ve really enjoyed applying the knowledge of trends, program development from the course and overlay this with my professional experience. It’s been an insightful and validating experience. The importance of big data and subjects like epidemiology and biostatistics have spawned ideas and innovation that I would not have done otherwise.
How do the learning outcomes from the course align with current trends you’re seeing in the healthcare?
I’m not quite half my way through the course, but what I can say so far is that the course is poignantly accurate to what’s happening out there in the real world. There’s a real disconnect between various services, and the people who are impacted are citizens. We must do better, and it’s going to take an educated group to make the changes necessary.
Recently, I had the personal and regrettable opportunity to be at hospital to watch my best friend’s mother (whom I grew up with as my second mum) pass away after an operation. I couldn’t help but feel that digital health advancements will, in the future, manage the long-term effects of diseases well in advance and greatly assist in achieving better outcomes during the acute response at the tail end.
What unique value do you see digital health studies offering to professionals in the health IT space?
I think the curriculum is really approaching this from the bottom up and the top down. The studies are focusing on scientific disciplines like epidemiology and biostatistics, which are fascinating (although testing my poor brain) and what we need to achieve at a policy level. Regardless of where you intend to work in the health industry, understanding digital health drivers at all levels, is going to make us all valuable players.
Who else do you believe could benefit from pursuing studies in digital health, and how might it impact their professional growth?
I think this is not just a course for aspiring healthcare workers, but also a variety of professionals in supporting business units within healthcare organisations. Imagine how we might expedite progress in our organisations if folks in finance, human resources and other support functions were educated in the objectives of digital health? I think being aligned to the core objectives of the organisation will be seen positively by any organisational leader.
How did you find the online study experience?
I think I personally prefer a hybrid arrangement, but knowing my family and work commitments, the online flexibility allows me to study whilst supporting my other life commitments. I’m not saying it’s easy, but the flexibility to study online at La Trobe makes it possible!
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.