Earlier this month, more than 60 students from the latest cohort of the Digital Health Leadership Programme (DHLP) came together in York to mark the beginning of their learning journey.
Over two days, students had the opportunity to connect with their peers, meet the academic team, and gain an understanding of what to expect from the year ahead. The forum included sessions from experts on leadership styles and reflective learning, the CliftonStrengths assessment, and time working within newly formed peer support groups. A highlight of the event was an immersive induction game, where students worked in teams to solve a series of puzzles as part of a simulated crisis in the NHS referral system.
Commissioned by the NHS Digital Academy at NHS England, the DHLP empowers health and care leaders to drive digital transformation in the NHS. The programme, now in its eighth year, is delivered by Imperial College London’s Institute of Global Health Innovation, and is supported by partners from across the healthcare ecosystem, including research and industry collaborators, as well as Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. It is designed for people who are responsible for leading and optimising digital change in the NHS in England.
In this blog post, we hear directly from Cohort 8 students about what inspired them to join the programme, their ambitions, and their reflections on the launch event.
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Minal Shah, Principal Pharmacist, EPMA
“This course came highly recommended by fellow alumni, some of whom encouraged me to apply. After reviewing the course content, I felt confident that the course would deepen my skills in strategic communication, influence, and programme evaluation. I also believe it will provide me with the leadership framework, a national perspective, and practical tools to drive meaningful, measurable transformation both within my organisation and across the wider system.
“I am really looking forward to meeting new people. I am very much also energised by the opportunity to be challenged, and I am ready to embrace the experiences that push me out of my comfort zone and foster personal and professional growth.
“The programme launch was a brilliant mix of thought-provoking content and interactive fun. What I enjoyed most were the two games: the ‘escape room’ and ‘bingo’ activities. They were such a refreshing way to break the ice and get to know my cohort beyond the usual “hello, my name is” conversations. It was a creative, energising way to connect and laugh together early on.”
Omid Gilanshah, Deputy Director of Primary and Community Care
“Over the past few years, especially since Covid and the rapid rise of new technologies, I have developed a strong interest in digital transformation. I previously took part in the Digital Pioneers Fellowship course, organised by the Health Innovation Network and the South West London Integrated Care Board, which gave me an initial taste of what digital transformation can look like in practice. So, the DHLP course feels like a natural next step on that journey.
“Through this programme, I hope to continue contributing to digital transformation within the NHS, ideally in primary and community care, where my professional roots lie.”
Lydia Salice, Divisional Manager for Digital Clinical Services
“I decided to join the programme because I really wanted to deepen my understanding of digital products, processes, and change within the NHS to help me be as impactful as possible in my current and future roles.
“What I loved about the launch was meeting so many people, sharing stories, and getting lots of support and guidance, both in the context of the course and in our day jobs. It was great to meet other people who have recently implemented the same Electronic Patient Record system that we are rolling out and receive so much useful advice.”
Finbarr Canney, Lead Clinical Informatics Pharmacist
“I joined the Digital Health Leadership course after seeing several mentors, line managers, and peers undertake it. It is a world-renowned programme within digital health, and I felt I was at the right stage in my career to take the next step and undertake more learning.
“My favourite thing about the launch was meeting people in person, having one-on-one conversations, and learning more about their roles and how they feel about the course.”
Maria De Souza, Chief Nursing Informatics Officer
“Through this programme, I hope to improve our systems and deepen my understanding of digital leadership at a senior level, particularly how it impacts our staff, colleagues, and patients. I am really looking forward to applying this knowledge to help shape the direction we need to take in practice.”
Phil Barron, Chief Pharmacy Information Officer
“This programme offers me a valuable opportunity to grow and develop as a leader. I believe that digital technologies hold immense potential to revolutionize the way we handle medicines, and this programme will enable me to harness that potential in a positive way.
“What I particularly enjoyed during the launch event was the strengths assessment – it was really fascinating and helped me view myself in a different lens so I can focus on my strengths rather than dwell on my weaknesses.”
Susan Tadros, Consultant Immunologist
“I joined the programme to gain expertise in digital health leadership and to support change within complex systems. I am looking forward to developing a broad range of skills, particularly in stakeholder engagement and collaboration, that will enable me to develop and implement digital solutions aimed at improving the quality of care.
“The CliftonStrengths session during the launch was particularly helpful and insightful. I also enjoyed meeting our peer support groups and exchanging perspectives on digital opportunities and challenges faced across different parts of the NHS.”