How a Tech Expert Found His Calling through UIC’s Master of Science in Health Informatics Program

Oscar-Timothy Okolo has a strong background in technology and over a decade of experience in project management and data analytics. However, having personally struggled with the accessibility of healthcare himself, he became interested in improving this field. This led him to pursue the Master of Science in Health Informatics (MSHI) program at the University of Illinois Chicago. Through the program, he gained the essential technical and leadership skills that helped him transition into the healthcare industry without a medical background.  

Now, as he prepares to step into his new role as a Project Manager for Radiology Informatics at Cleveland Clinic, Oscar reflects on how UIC’s MSHI program provided him with the foundation to make a real impact in the field. His story showcases the flexibility, practical applications, and career-transforming opportunities the program offers students from all backgrounds. 

Please tell us about yourself and your current job. 

I’m originally from Nigeria, but I currently live in New Jersey. I’ve been in the technology industry for about ten years, primarily in project management and data analytics. I’m currently a Senior Scrum Master in the energy sector with multiple teams on energy efficiency projects. The Master of Science in Health Informatics (MSHI) program at UIC was my first step into healthcare. Now, I’m excited to share that this year, I have transitioned into a new role at Cleveland Clinic as a Project Manager for their Radiology Informatics department. 

Beyond my job, I instruct and train professionals entering project management and frequently speak at events on technology and its evolving landscape.  

How did you become interested in health informatics?  

I think I’m a great example of how diverse this field is because my background is entirely in technology. I didn’t come from healthcare. If you’re considering health informatics but don’t have a healthcare background, this field is still for you. 

I have a disability, and I always wondered how to leverage my knowledge in data analysis, project management, and technology to make healthcare more accessible. For myself, I struggled to get my X-rays transferred quickly, which intrigued me into studying radiology informatics. I wanted to identify a way to enable individuals to receive urgent health information in a timely manner. 

I discovered the field of health informatics while doing research, which I found to be the intersection of technology and medicine. That prompted me to search for programs, which is where I found UIC’s online Master of Science in Health Informatics degree.  I began researching and discovered a field called health informatics, where technology and healthcare merge. This piqued my interest and ultimately led to my decision to enroll in UIC’s online MSHI degree.  

How do you apply the skills you learned in the Master of Science in Health Informatics program in your career? 

I apply a lot of what I learned in UIC’s MSHI program to my work. The first class I ever took was BHIS 499: Information Sources in Biomedical & Health Information Sciences with Professor Mills, and I think that’s a great starting place. It taught me to question everything and seek out my own answers, which has shaped the way I approach problems and make decisions at work. As I work with teams and often receive information from someone else, this course reaffirmed the value of confirming data before taking action on it. 

Apart from that, the technical skills I learned, like how to use Tableau, allowed me to create dashboards, which is more than required in project management. Communication was also a key takeaway, particularly from BHIS 503:Communication Skills in Health Informatics, which deals with technology implementation. As a project manager and a scrum master, I deal with projects that require seamless implementation, and this course educated me on the issues, potential resistance, and how to deal with those problems efficiently. Finally, the skills I gained through the MSHI program are transferable across industries and can be applied anywhere you work. 

Can you share an example of a work challenge you faced and how the skills from the MSHI program helped you overcome it? 

Two that stood out were BHIS 520: Health Information Systems Analysis and Design and BHIS 503. Working with people is inevitable in the workplace, whether you’re a consultant managing expectations or a data analyst who gets assigned projects. The BHIS 503 course teaches you how to collaborate and engage with people at different experience levels.  

One challenge I faced was rolling a new product across a department where not everyone was “tech-savvy.” I used the models I learned at UIC, such as case studies, on similar challenges where new technology was introduced and met with resistance from different stakeholders. Drawing from these models, I worked with my team and the Project Management Office to implement solutions to ease the transition. In the end, we increased adoption in the department and successfully overcame the obstacle. 

What would you say is your favorite part of the MSHI program? 

My favorite part of the MSHI program was the group projects. They allowed me to meet like-minded people while working with individuals from diverse backgrounds. I collaborated with healthcare professionals, newcomers to the field, and experienced industry experts. One of my teammates was focused on mental health, and we worked on a project related to that topic, which gave me a new perspective. 

One of my projects included a teammate with a 10-hour time difference, but it was a fun challenge learning how to collaborate. Despite the time gap, we had to find the best tools and strategies to work effectively. That experience taught me that group projects were not just about getting the projects done. It’s about teamwork, adaptability, and the relationships you build. Looking back, the challenges made the experience even more rewarding. 

How was your experience with the MSHI program’s online format? 

I wouldn’t have done it any other way. If I had to go back and choose again, I would still do it online because of the flexibility it gave me. It allowed me to balance my job and personal life and even take on extra contracts while completing the program in just 18 months. 

Since it was online, I could study whenever it fit into my schedule, whether after work, during breaks, or late at night. The courses were structured in a way that made it manageable. I could read articles on my phone, take quizzes from anywhere, and keep up with coursework without feeling overwhelmed. 

One of the best things was that I could maintain my regular routine without disrupting my career or personal commitments. In fact, most people didn’t even know I was in school until I graduated. The flexibility of the online format made all the difference. 

What advice would you offer someone considering enrolling in UIC’s online MSHI program?    

I have a lot of advice! 

1. Get a calendar – Mark your deadlines at least two days before they’re due and try to meet them early. Staying ahead of deadlines will help reduce stress. 
2. Take it easy and enjoy the experience – Don’t rush through the program to get the degree. Every challenge you face is an opportunity to learn, whether working with people, meeting deadlines, or adapting to new situations. 
3. Remember that professors are human – Even though most communication happens through Blackboard, emails, and assignments, your professors are real people who want to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out and take advantage of their office hours.  
4. Build connections with your classmates – Once you graduate, these are the people you will still be talking to and the ones you can go to for help. Don’t just complete your part of a group project and then disappear.  
5. Leverage university resources – Your school email gives you access to tools like Figma and Miro. Take advantage of these resources to build new skills while you have free access.