"After graduating from the course, I feel I have an excellent understanding of the core concepts of health informatics and a better understanding of how technology and health can intertwine to provide better outcomes. It also motivated me to continue to improve the current state and the possibilities of what future healthcare may look like."
I had always been interested in using data to improve health care outcomes and had started a new allied health informatics role on an electronic medical record implementation project. To continue in this area of work I felt it was essential to complete further study in this area, so I decided to study the Graduate Certificate in Health Informatics and Digital Health.
What I enjoyed about the course was the mix of students from both health and IT backgrounds, which always provided multiple perspectives to our topics. I also had my first experience of an online subject: Technology and Ageing. This was an excellent introduction to online learning and a very thought-provoking subject.
After graduating from the course, I feel I have an excellent understanding of the core concepts of health informatics and a better understanding of how technology and health can intertwine to provide better outcomes. It also motivated me to continue to improve the current state and the possibilities of what future healthcare may look like.
Building relationships with experts and others working in this field has been invaluable, and the assignments allowed me to investigate technology and informatics in my own workplace which has assisted in my informatics roles.
I have now led Allied Health during two large EMR implementations in Melbourne. And I am very proud to be the Chief Allied Health Information Officer at the Parkville Precinct. This was a new position and has continued beyond the project supporting and building capability for the Allied Health professions.
During the EMR project I provided expert change management, leadership and facilitated engagement of Allied Health staff in the design, build, training and implementation. Now I continue to support these professions to build capability and get the most out of the new tool.
I also co-chair the Victorian Allied Health Clinical Informatics Advisory Group. We are currently developing a capability framework for Allied Health professionals which is exciting.
There are many opportunities opening up in Australia in this area and it is a great time to join the movement of making technology a part of everyday healthcare. I am inspired by the possibilities of providing even better healthcare by adapting our approaches and using every available tool to assist.
Find out more about the Graduate Certificate
in Health Informatics and Digital Health