Member Spotlight: Professor Sandeep Reddy, MBBS MSc PhD, Head of Discipline - Healthcare Management, School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Australia

This month's member spotlight is from the HIMSS Professional Development Committee. We’re proud to introduce Professor Sandeep Reddy! Professor Reddy has been an active and engaged PDC member for the past year and a half. As a certified health informatician and a digital health expert recognized by the World Health Organization, he also holds an impressive background in medicine and healthcare management with specialized training in machine learning and health informatics from diverse sources. Most exciting is his current research focusing on AI in medicine, a field with immense potential, and his endeavors towards the safe integration, application, and advancement of AI in healthcare.

Through his participation in the HIMSS Professional Development Committee, Sandeep continuously shares his knowledge and expertise while imparting valuable insights for workforce stakeholders across the continuum, particularly as it pertains to the ever-evolving healthcare IT industry.

Professor Reddy, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your time and contributions to the HIMSS Professional Development Committee. Your impact on the healthcare IT workforce of the future is truly invaluable!

What specific professional development experiences have been most transformative for your role as health tech?

Dr. Sandeep Reddy: As a medical professional, I have found that engaging in both online and on-site health informatics training has been pivotal. In particular, AI-focused training has significantly shaped my approach to integrating technology into healthcare. One of the most transformative experiences was participating in specialized AI programs. This experience deepened my technical understanding and allowed me to apply AI in real-world medical contexts, such as diagnostic imaging and clinical decision-making. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to source education and training from six different countries, which has been transformative in exposing me to diverse healthcare systems and methodologies. These international experiences have honed my adaptability and innovative thinking, helping me address challenges in health tech with a global perspective. Traveling and immersing myself in new cultures have further enriched my ability to collaborate across borders, an increasingly important skill in our interconnected world of health technology.

How do you see the role of professional development evolving in health tech over the next few years?

Dr. Sandeep Reddy: Professional development in health tech is poised for an evolution that mirrors the shifts in technology itself—toward personalization and adaptability. Education and training will likely become more tailored to the individual learner's needs, learning styles, and career goals. Integrating AI into schooling allows for personalized learning pathways, where professionals can progress at their own pace and focus on specific areas of interest. For example, while some health professionals may want to specialize in AI and data science, others may focus on understanding health IT infrastructure. AI will play a crucial role in content delivery, assessing skills, and providing real-time feedback. This will make professional development more dynamic, efficient, and accessible to professionals globally. Given my journey through various education systems across multiple countries, I am particularly excited about how these developments will create more flexible learning environments for health tech professionals.

What trends or challenges in professional development are most important for health tech professionals to be aware of?

Dr. Sandeep Reddy: One of the most critical trends for health tech professionals is the growing need for AI and data analytics proficiency. As AI continues to drive innovation in healthcare, from diagnostics to patient care management, professionals must understand AI as a tool and the health IT infrastructure through which these technologies will be delivered. Awareness of this dual aspect—AI competency and infrastructure understanding—is crucial for health tech professionals to remain competitive and effective in their roles. Another challenge that cannot be overlooked is the digital divide. As we see a greater reliance on technology, disparities in access to these educational tools and resources may widen. Ensuring equity in professional development opportunities, especially for those in under-resourced regions, is essential. My personal experiences studying across six countries have made me acutely aware of the need to create inclusive learning environments that accommodate a diverse range of learners, irrespective of geographic or economic barriers.