Designed to accelerate knowledge and meet evolving workforce needs, Introduction to Digital Heath aims to upskill academics and healthcare practitioners, as well as fostering local industry talent.

The course is described as "a fully online, borderless training module designed specifically for post-graduates, experienced clinicians, allied health practitioners, technicians or those working in professional roles within the health or IT sectors," with flexible delivery allowing completion in as little as three months.

It is designed to bring participants up-to-date with the latest innovations and digital trends in healthcare and help outline how these can be applied in the workplace, as called for by the Federal Government’s 2020 National Digital Health Workforce and Education Roadmap.

Monash University School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine's Medical Education Research and Quality Unit head Professor Dragan Ilic said “Education designed in collaboration with industry will have a practical impact our national economy through essential upskilling of academics and existing healthcare practitioners. In the COVID-19 era, it is important that we foster local talent to ensure Australia remains resilient to global market changes, such as those we have seen during the pandemic.

“It is also critical for health experts and leading data scientists to optimally and safely utilise the growing volume of healthcare data that is curated daily into actionable insights to drive better health outcomes for all,” he said.

Siemens Healthineers managing director Michael Shaw said “Industry partnerships like this enable the essential connection and greater application of the practical knowledge and skills required to use current and progressive technology optimally. We believe that an investment in a person's digital knowledge will empower our nation's health and economy now and into the future.

“Siemens Healthineers has long been a pioneer in digital health in Australia and around the world, and we were proud to extend this leadership during the pandemic by rolling out national-first initiatives like remote patient tracking in regional areas. We look forward to extending our partnership with Monash University to share our industry-leading approach to digital health and upskill Australia’s talent to create better patient and population health outcomes,” he said.

Expressions of interest and registrations for the Introduction to Digital Health course starting in early March are now open.