Alumni Winner aspires to developing IT solutions that are clinical-user-oriented

What is your background/education experience?  

I completed medical doctor education and worked at a tertiary hospital in Jakarta, Indonesia. After five years of working, I observed how healthcare quality improvement and patient safety culture are vital in supporting clinical care. That encouraged me to take a master’s program in healthcare management and switched to taking managerial roles in healthcare institution for the next three years. During these times, I learned the importance of implementing health informatics to enhance further the process of improving the quality and safety of healthcare. Since then, I developed a growing interest in the health informatics field. 

How and why did you choose to study at KI? 

I was looking for opportunities to equip myself with knowledge and skill in health informatics when I came across the Joint Master’s Programme in Health Informatics at KI. The programme description seemed to fit my pursuit of knowledge. I reached out to some alumni and heard of only positive feedback about the programme. Then, I was convinced to submit my application.   

Describe your experience, including any highlights from your time at KI. 

Overall, I was delighted. The programme was jointly held by KI and Stockholm University (SU), with students from various backgrounds, so I had the opportunity to experience different perspectives. The lectures were well-prepared, and various assessment methods were carried out, including practical assessments. It was through KI that I was able to find some part-time jobs. I also recalled participating in a few health informatics student competitions, individually and with classmates, utilising the improved versions of assignment projects from the courses. 

After you graduated from KI, what was your next step, and how did you find this opportunity?  

I started building my network immediately at the beginning of the programme by connecting to health informatics related companies and submitting my CV to them. Also, I participated in several company events and competitions. It turned out fruitful when a recruiting company reached me with an open position. I applied and able to get hired a couple of months before graduation. 

What is your current role?  

My current role is health informatics specialist. I find it to be closely similar to what I imagined myself to be when first starting the programme at KI. To keep it concise, I need to use my medical background to interpret various clinical guidelines and the health informatics background to structure the interpretation into a more technical format. I will then use the work result in communication with the IT developers. I also work closely with the sales team in creating clinically relevant product demonstration. Aside from that, I also provide clinical-related customer support. 

Describe a day on the job.  

Due to the pandemic, I only worked remotely even since my first day. I usually started my day by checking incoming customer support tickets and respond accordingly. Then I would have a short chat with my colleagues in the health informatics team to divide our daily tasks before proceeding. On some days, we will have different routine and non-routine meetings, internally or externally, with partners and customers. 

How did your studies at KI help your future career?  

KI leveraged my profile and equipped me with sufficient skills to penetrate the job market. Given the short amount of time spent at KI, I admit that I might not have the most profound knowledge and skills, but KI taught me how to look for resources that I can use for self-improvement effectively. These got me hired even before graduating. 

What are your future aspirations? 

Having to move to Stockholm with my family during my study, I plan to settle down here for years to come.  

At a more extensive scope, I aspire to continue providing my clinical perspective for developing IT solutions that are clinical-user-oriented. This way, the users are more engaged and eventually could help them improve their care quality.  

What is your advice to current students? 

Understand your life purpose, look for the fields you are most passionate about, and build your legacy.