By Kennedy Owino Ojowi (Mastercard Scholar at the University of Toronto)
In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, the intersection of clinical expertise and technological innovation is where the most significant impacts are made. My journey from nursing to health informatics is a testament to this shift—a journey that began with hands-on patient care and led me to the forefront of digital health solutions.
This transition wasn’t just a career change; it was a response to the growing realization that technology could amplify my ability to improve patient outcomes on a much larger scale.
Born and raised in the heart of Africa, where the rhythm of life is shaped by hard work and resilience, my journey from nursing to health informatics began with values instilled by my parents. My father, a retired veterinary doctor, and my mother, who took on various menial jobs, deeply believed in the transformative power of education. With their encouragement, I set out on a path in healthcare, aiming to make a meaningful impact. However, my journey would soon take me beyond the traditional roles of nursing into the innovative world of health informatics.
Navigating Early Career Challenges
After earning my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Moi University in 2016, I quickly confronted the realities of a competitive job market. My first nursing position was at a private hospital in a remote Kenyan town—a role that was both challenging and enlightening.
Each subsequent role, whether in public or private hospitals, became more than just a job; it was a learning experience that exposed me to diverse clinical cases and allowed me to take on leadership responsibilities. These experiences sharpened my skills and deepened my commitment to patient care, laying the foundation for my future endeavors.
Introduction to Digital Health
In the early stages of my career, my exposure to health information systems was limited to insurance reimbursement processes. However, my true introduction to the digital health landscape came when I joined an international NGO. Here, I encountered a cloud-based electronic medical records (EMR) system for the first time. As I became proficient in its use, my responsibilities expanded to include supporting fellow nurses during system implementations. This experience sparked a profound interest in the intersection of healthcare and technology, revealing a new avenue for making a broader impact on patient outcomes.
Understanding Health Informatics and Its Career Potential
Health informatics is where healthcare meets technology and data management, focusing on how health information is captured, transmitted, and used to improve patient care and system efficiency. Professionals in this field are involved in tasks like developing electronic health records (EHRs), data analytics, and telemedicine. As healthcare continues to digitize, the demand for skilled professionals who can bridge clinical practice and technology is rapidly growing. For those with a clinical background, health informatics offers a unique opportunity to leverage medical knowledge while driving innovation in healthcare.
A Pivotal Moment During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic was a turning point in my career. The NGO I was working with launched a project that leveraged cloud-based EMR systems to enhance the pandemic response.
This project allowed me to engage with various stakeholders, build capacity, and support healthcare providers on the front lines. It was during this time that I realized the profound impact technology could have on healthcare—far beyond what I could achieve at the bedside. This epiphany set me on a path to explore fields that married my clinical expertise with my growing passion for technology, ultimately leading me to health informatics. Around this time, I learned about the Mastercard Foundation’s scholarships for health-related master’s programs at the University of Toronto.
With a newfound clarity of purpose, I applied for the Master of Health Informatics program. After a rigorous selection process, I was awarded a full scholarship to pursue this dream, marking the beginning of a life-changing journey. Since joining the University of Toronto in 2023, my experience has been nothing short of transformative. The rigorous academic environment has equipped me with essential skills in data management, health system development, and project management. The scholarship not only alleviated financial pressures but also provided invaluable opportunities, such as a practicum placement at Palladium, a global leader in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges.
Practicum at Palladium: Gaining Practical Insights
During my practicum at Palladium, from May to August 2024, I worked closely with the data and analytics team, analyzing and visualizing health and non-health data using cutting-edge tools. This experience broadened my understanding of health system development, encompassing business analysis, UI/UX design, software development, and project management. I am now well-prepared to contribute to the design and implementation of digital health solutions, stakeholder engagement, and data visualization—skills that are increasingly vital in today’s healthcare landscape.
Reflections and Future Aspirations
Looking back, the transition from nursing to health informatics has been anything but straightforward. However, it has been profoundly rewarding. The combination of clinical experience, education, and practical insights has uniquely positioned me to make a significant impact in this evolving field. My goal is to leverage this blend of skills to enhance healthcare delivery and outcomes across Africa and beyond. This journey has taught me that embracing change, while challenging, can lead to remarkable growth and new opportunities. For those considering a similar path, I encourage you to pursue continuous learning, seek out mentorship, and remain resilient in the face of obstacles. The future of healthcare lies at the intersection of clinical expertise and technological innovation, and I am excited to contribute to this exciting frontier.
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