Breaking into Health Tech with Public Health Expertise
Public health and health tech share a mission of improving population health and addressing systemic healthcare challenges. Public health professionals bring skills like systems analysis, understanding social determinants of health, and designing evidence-based solutions, which are critical in health tech. These skills help bridge the gap between healthcare and technology, making public health professionals invaluable in developing scalable and innovative solutions.
Key Roles in Health Tech for Public Health Professionals
Health tech offers roles like Product Manager, Data Analyst or Data Scientist, User Experience (UX) Researcher, Health Informatics Specialist, and Implementation Specialist. These roles align with public health professionals' skills in program management, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement, enabling them to contribute effectively to the industry.
Steps to Break into Health Tech
Transitioning to health tech involves identifying transferable skills, upskilling strategically, networking within the industry, tailoring resumes and pitches, gaining experience through freelance work, and leveraging public health case studies. These steps help public health professionals position themselves as competitive candidates in the health tech field.
Examples of Successful Transitions
Public health professionals have successfully transitioned into health tech by leveraging their expertise in areas like data analysis and program management. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, public health experts helped shape telehealth platforms to address underserved populations and promote health equity, showcasing the compatibility of these fields.
The Future is Bright for Public Health in Health Tech
The health tech industry is set for continued growth, with advancements in AI, wearable devices, and digital health solutions. Public health professionals can contribute to this innovation by embracing upskilling, networking, and adapting to new roles, driving impactful change on a global scale.
The health tech sector offers public health professionals a platform to leverage their skills and drive meaningful innovation. By embracing change and adapting strategically, they can contribute to a growing industry that improves healthcare outcomes and promotes global health equity.
Digital Health Product Manager
Health tech startups, telemedicine companies, and established firms like Epic Systems or Cerner
Core Responsibilities & Required Skills
Lead the design and development of digital health solutions (e.g., apps, telehealth platforms, or wearable devices) while ensuring alignment with user needs and health equity goals.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams (engineers, designers, and clinical experts) to deliver scalable health tech products.
Ensure compliance with healthcare regulations (e.g., HIPAA) and industry standards.
Unique Skills
Strong understanding of public health challenges, stakeholder engagement, and healthcare technology trends.
Health Data Scientist
Companies like Flatiron Health, Google Health, and Optum
Core Responsibilities & Required Skills
Analyze large healthcare datasets (e.g., claims data, EHR data, or wearable device metrics) to identify trends, improve outcomes, or predict health risks.
Build predictive models and dashboards to inform clinical decision-making and drive population health initiatives.
Translate public health knowledge into actionable insights for product development or policy recommendations.
Unique Skills
Proficiency in Python, R, or SQL, along with public health expertise in epidemiology or biostatistics.
UX Researcher for Health Tech
Firms like Medtronic, Fitbit, or smaller digital health startups
Core Responsibilities & Required Skills
Conduct user research to understand how patients and healthcare providers interact with digital health solutions.
Advocate for culturally competent, accessible, and user-centered design principles.
Develop user personas and usability testing frameworks tailored to diverse populations.
Unique Skills
Familiarity with health literacy concepts and public health behavior change theories.
Health Informatics Specialist
Hospitals, government health agencies, and companies like Epic Systems or Allscripts
Core Responsibilities & Required Skills
Implement and optimize electronic health records (EHRs), health information exchanges (HIEs), or other clinical data systems.
Facilitate interoperability between systems while maintaining data governance and security.
Use public health experience to improve workflows and enhance data-driven decision-making in healthcare organizations.
Unique Skills
Certification in health informatics (e.g., CAHIIM-accredited programs) and expertise in public health informatics.
Implementation Specialist for Health Tech Solutions
SaaS health tech companies, telehealth providers, or consulting firms
Core Responsibilities & Required Skills
Manage the rollout of new technologies in healthcare settings, ensuring they align with organizational goals and user needs.
Train healthcare providers and staff on the use of new tools, fostering engagement and smooth adoption.
Leverage public health systems thinking to address barriers to implementation and optimize workflows.
Unique Skills
Strong project management, change management, and stakeholder training expertise within clinical or community health contexts.
