When I started my doctoral studies at IHPME, I was really interested in studying healthcare technology and the implementation of digital technologies in healthcare practice. I was soon exposed, however, to other peers and areas in the program such as health economics, healthcare analytics, operations, and health politics that piqued my interdisciplinary interests,” says Gordon. “This provided a depth to my academic and research knowledge base I had not anticipated when I started in the program.”
Digital health solutions have the potential to remove barriers and dramatically improve patient care. For Dr. Kayleigh Gordon, this potential has always aligned with her interest in building better connections between patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers.
After completing a Master of Nursing degree, Gordon was looking for doctoral programs that could offer strong interprofessional education and the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of research methodologies. The Health Systems Research (HSR) emphasis in Health Informatics was an exciting opportunity for Gordon, but also provided new perspectives and areas of focus beyond her expectations.
“When I started my doctoral studies at IHPME, I was really interested in studying healthcare technology and the implementation of digital technologies in healthcare practice. I was soon exposed, however, to other peers and areas in the program such as health economics, healthcare analytics, operations, and health politics that piqued my interdisciplinary interests,” says Gordon. “This provided a depth to my academic and research knowledge base I had not anticipated when I started in the program.”
This interdisciplinary approach was a highlight for Gordon who was able to explore other areas of study relevant to her initial research interests in digital technology solutions within healthcare.
“IHPME allowed me to take courses in not only my area of study, but courses in other departments through the university such as big data and informational processes that prepared me for my current professional role,” says Gordon.
Currently, Gordon works for a Canadian health technology startup, called VITALL, which provides patients, families, and loved ones with critical access to comprehensive health information. This role directly aligns with Gordon’s research interests in addressing the lack of access to health records and health information within healthcare systems.
Gordon shares that IHPME’s HSR program is an exciting and challenging experience, but worth the time and investment.
“IHPME, under the umbrella of the School of Public Health at the University of Toronto can offer a broad skill set that makes you highly prepared for the professional workforce,” says Gordon.
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