Making interdisciplinary connections: Marisha Boyd’s reflections on the MSc in Applied Digital Health and beyond

The MSc in Applied Digital Health modules perfectly reflect the interdisciplinary nature of the field, with a focus on everything from big data and AI to designing behaviour change interventions and understanding the sociological underpinnings of health technologies. We are always encouraged to make connections between the social and technical sides of digital health, whether it be through assignments or discussions in class.  

One of the best aspects of this course are discussions with my amazing coursemates who bring diverse perspectives and insights to every conversation. Our cohort is made up of 19 students from over 10 countries, all who are passionate about the future of digital health and improving global healthcare systems. 

Some of my favourite experiences on the course so far are from time spent with my cohort, whether it be dressing up for formal dinners, discussing our assignments in the pub or exploring Oxford together. I am constantly in awe of the expertise and experience everyone brings to the course and know that our friendships will last well beyond our time in Oxford. 

Another standout experience was being selected as a Fellow to attend the ‘Global Health in the Age of AI’ symposium in Venice, Italy, alongside eight other students from around the world.   

I arrived at the picturesque San Giorgio Island and immediately met experts in digital health regulation, policy makers and other students who were equally interested in digital mental health development. 

To my surprise, I sat with conference speakers at dinner who were experts in developing algorithms for clinical outcome prediction -- exactly what I had learned in class that week! The MSc module focused on Harnessing Big Data for Clinical Decision Support prepared me well to engage with experts in the field and ask relevant questions to further my own understanding of clinical decision support systems. 

I really enjoyed sharing my own learnings from the course and learning about global research in the field over authentic Italian pasta. This symposium reinforced how the MSc is equipping me with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate a future career in digital health, while also allowing me to take advantage of travel opportunities in Europe!

Marisha attending the ‘Global Health in the Age of AI’ symposium in Venice, Italy

Connections through societies

By sheer coincidence, our team was assigned the focus of remote patient monitoring technologies – the exact topic of our course module that week! It was wonderful to spend the day exploring cutting-edge innovations in the classroom and then apply that knowledge in the evening by researching and evaluating start-ups in the field. We ended the term by presenting our investment recommendations and market research findings to representatives from Oxford Science Entreprises and EQT, which was a great opportunity to get feedback from leaders in the field. 

Marisha and her team after presenting investment recommendations in the remote patient monitoring field to venture capital firms

 

Connections through Reuben College

One of my most interdisciplinary experiences at Oxford is being part of Reuben College – Oxford’s newest college that aims to address interdisciplinary 21st century issues. Reuben College admits students into one of four streams: Ethics & Values, AI, Environmental Change and Cellular Life, meaning that interdisciplinary conversations are the norm over lunch or in the corridors.  

A college highlight of Michaelmas term was attending ‘Tuesday Talks’, a weekly seminar followed by a free dinner in our beautiful dining hall where conversations continue throughout the meal. My favourite talk of the term was by Professor Dame Molly Stevens, Deputy Director of the Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery and a serial entrepreneur with multiple patents and four biotech spin-out companies. After her talk, I enjoyed a lively discussion at my table focused on the translation of scientific findings, the importance of representation in science and how our own career goals intersected with Professor Stevens’ work. This talk connected my interest in translating science to positive health impacts and sparked my interest in entrepreneurship.  

Marisha and her flatmates from Reuben College in front of the Radcliffe Camera after their matriculation ceremony

 

As I reflect on my time so far on the MSc in Applied Digital Health course, I could never have imagined the breadth of interdisciplinary opportunities. From attending passionate debates at the Oxford Union to joining a women’s history journal soirée and enjoying formal dinners in colleges older than Canada itself, the chance to connect and explore new ideas is everywhere. I look forward to the rest of the academic year at Oxford, where I will be engaging as a Fellow with the SDG Impact Lab, completing a micro-internship in venture capital and enjoying some multi-day walks around the UK. I hope to continue expanding my interdisciplinary learnings through my course, societies, college and beyond!