Samantha Alexander Mourrain

How has the MCiM program impacted your ability to problem solve and address challenges in digital health?

MCiM is a fundamental part of my work as Chair of the Technology and Informatics Council at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health.  With the knowledge I have gained I am able to advocate, clearly articulate and identify those inequities that are underlying in healthcare and truly see how best to serve my patients while we navigate the use of appropriate equitable tools.  As a new organizational leader, I can interpret the data analytics which allows me to make better and more impactful decisions. In addition to my work, MCiM has allowed me to advise and help design an APP for the villagers in rural India. As part of the Medical Mission that I annually support, we are creating a tool to digitally connect them to a provider with minimal to no literacy, using the Biodesign process. It was such a rewarding and fulfilling experience to understand the need and design the tool.  It’s those moments that you really appreciate the knowledge.

Do you still keep in contact with any classmates, faculty, or mentors that you connected with during the duration of the program?

I do. I recently had lunch with a classmate Robin in San Francisco. We are currently discussing the next stage of my Practicum project. Nigam Shah has been a life saver and helped me with information and strategy for a presentation that I am giving on AI in Healthcare. I have been contacted by Hiro to support a friend of his who was looking for some information regarding tube feeding for pediatric patients.  I have also been part of the interview panel for the current cohort.

Have you transitioned into positions of leadership since the completion of the program? If so, how do you feel MCiM helped you prepare for the role? 

Yes, I moved into a position of leadership within my organization.  MCiM has prepared me for the role with understanding the future of healthcare from a leadership perspective. I am using elements of Business Strategy, Accounting, Leadership as well as Quality and Safety. It has given me confidence to speak about technology and informatics in healthcare with my nursing peers and Leadership to ensure minorities are represented in the design and integration of these tools. As well as provide support to the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, in a collaboration on building a framework for assessing the qualities and needs of an eHealth tool.