How a UIC MSHI Graduate is Bridging Technology and Patient Care

The University of Illinois Chicago’s Online Master of Science in Health Informatics (MSHI) program offers working professionals the opportunity to expand their knowledge and impact the future of healthcare without stepping away from their current roles. Through flexible online learning, students gain the technical and analytical skills to improve patient outcomes, enhance provider experiences, and drive organizational innovation.

Roopa Foulger is a seasoned technologist with over 25 years of experience and currently serves as Vice President of Digital Innovation Development at OSF HealthCare. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Roopa has dedicated the last 17 years at OSF to advancing data analytics and pioneering transformative innovations for the organization.

Roopa’s journey was further shaped by the collaboration between OSF HealthCare and the University of Illinois Chicago, which allowed her to enroll in UIC’s Online MSHI degree while continuing her work at OSF. As a program graduate, she shares how the experience helped her bridge technology and healthcare while balancing work, family, and education.

Career Background and Interest in Health Informatics

I’m Vice President of Digital Innovation Development at OSF HealthCare, a system that operates across Central Illinois and Michigan. I lead a team that focuses on building digital products and platforms that improve patient care, enable provider efficiencies, and enhance overall experience.

My role blends strategy, technology, and operations, and I connect the dots between what’s possible with technology and what’s meaningful in healthcare.

I’ve always been drawn to technology. I don’t have a clinical background. I come from an engineering and math background, but I’ve always been interested in how technology can solve real-world problems. After joining OSF HealthCare and working in healthcare, I saw firsthand how data and information systems can positively impact patient care and decision-making.

Applying UIC’s MSHI Skills in a Healthcare Leadership Role

One thing that comes to mind is how well-rounded the program is. The professors emphasized not just the technology, but also the social factors that influence how solutions are adopted. Understanding human-centered design and recognizing that clinicians are on the frontlines of patient care were big takeaways for me.

The program also strengthened my communication skills and helped me better understand compliance, regulation, and the social aspects of implementing technology. I apply those lessons daily, whether leading teams, working across departments, or deploying new digital tools that support care delivery.

Using Health Informatics to Solve Real-World Challenges

One that stands out is related to our digital health arm called OnCall. These clinicians care for patients virtually or asynchronously, and one of the challenges we faced was introducing decision support tools, whether AI-based or rule-based algorithms, into their workflows.

It wasn’t just a technical challenge; it was a socio-technical one. The program helped me consider how people, processes, and technology fit together. Through my coursework, research, and collaboration with other students, I learned how to deploy solutions safely for providers and patients.

Before COVID, virtual care wasn’t the norm. The program gave me the framework to think about adopting and implementing these technologies thoughtfully, ensuring the tools supported clinicians rather than adding friction. That perspective has been key in helping our team successfully introduce digital health solutions at OSF.

Favorite Aspects of UIC’s Online MS in Health Informatics Program

I appreciated how UIC’s Online MSHI program connected theory to practice. I could learn something in class and immediately apply it at work. The courses were asynchronous, allowing me to work at my own pace while balancing my full-time job and family responsibilities.

The students I worked with came from diverse backgrounds. Some were clinicians; others had business or technical experience, which enriched our discussions and assignments. The various perspectives helped me see problems from different angles and strengthened my ability to collaborate across disciplines.

Health Informatics Courses That Made a Lasting Impact

One course that stood out was BHIS 437: Healthcare Data. It offered hands-on insights into healthcare challenges and helped me understand data interoperability and organizational and cultural factors that affect technology adoption. It gave me a better understanding of the complexities within healthcare systems and how data can be used to make meaningful improvements.

I also found BHIS 406: Medical Terminology for Health Information Management extremely valuable. Since I don’t have a clinical background, learning the medical terminology helped me follow conversations with clinicians more effectively and stay engaged in discussions that connect technology and patient care.

The Benefits of Completing the MS in Health Informatics Program Online

Flexibility was huge for me. I was balancing a full-time job and family, so being able to learn on my own schedule made a big difference. The program had the right mix of theory and practice, allowing me to dig deeper into topics directly relevant to my work.

It also prepared me to collaborate virtually, which has become a big part of today’s professional world. Overall, completing the program online made it possible for me to grow my skills without stepping away from my career.

Advice for Prospective UIC Online MSHI Students

I’d say keep an open mind and lean into the mix of healthcare and technology. Even though I had worked in healthcare for many years, I didn’t have a clinical background. Learning medical terminology and healthcare systems through this program was incredibly helpful.

It’s not just about data or systems; it’s about understanding how people use them. Listen to your classmates, collaborate with your professors, and bring your unique background to the table. The diversity of experiences and perspectives makes this program truly powerful.

Most students in the program are balancing family, work, and school, but it’s very doable. The flexibility of UIC’s online format makes it possible to advance your career while continuing to grow professionally.