I had an incredible opportunity to attend the Digital Health Summer Schools last year through the sponsorship of the Shuri Network bursary programme, and I am honoured to reflect on my experience and provide useful insights to those who may be interested in applying for the bursary programme this year.

The jam-packed two-day conference gave me access to a wealth of valuable knowledge and expertise from leading professionals in the industry and a space to learn about various aspects of digital health trends, challenges, and new ways of working within the systems.

Some of the key takeaways from the summer school include the importance of digital systems supporting health and social care to reduce health inequalities, the need for greater transparency on how AI is used in healthcare, the involvement of patients and the public in the development and deployment of AI tools, and the role of digital data in improving patient care while reducing costs, these insights provides a means of obtaining information on how to effectively use AI in healthcare and social care settings.

The conference also provided an invaluable networking opportunity, allowing me to connect with other like-minded individuals who share the same passion for improving healthcare through digital innovation. The ‘Speed Meets’ session was the highlight of the conference, as it was a fun and fast-paced way to engage with many individuals and create new connections and relationships, these connections have proved invaluable in helping me stay up to date on the latest developments in the industry, and they have also opened new doors for collaboration and professional development.

The Shuri Network bursary programme has been a tremendous support system in my career goals and professional development in digital health. As a woman from a diverse background, I know first-hand how challenging it can be to break into the industry and gain the necessary exposure and experience. Programmes like the Shuri Network bursary help empower women from diverse backgrounds and provide a platform for their voices to be heard. I believe it is crucial to have a diverse range of voices and perspectives in digital health to ensure that technologies are developed and implemented with the needs of all people in mind.

Looking to the future, I see the bursary programme continuing to empower and support women from diverse backgrounds in digital health and data through education, access to mentorship and networking opportunities. My advice to anyone interested in applying for the programme is to go for it! Take a punt! There is a wide range of opportunities provided to actively engage with fellow attendees and industry leaders. The application process is straightforward. Make sure to carefully read and follow all the instructions and requirements, and do not hesitate to reach out to the programme coordinators if you have any questions or concerns. Also, highlight your strengths and experiences that make you a good fit for the programme in your application.

Overall, attending the Digital Health Summer Schools through the Shuri Network bursary programme was a life-changing experience, and I am grateful for the support and opportunities it has provided me.

Spaces are limited. Book your ticket to secure your place.