Meet CHIP Alum Muhammad Osama Ali. Muhammad graduated with his Master in Professional Science in Biomedical and Health Informatics in 2020. He is currently a Clinical Development Analyst at Applied Medical in California. Learn more about Muhammad below.
Tell me a bit about your career/education story and what led you to pursue the MPS BMHI program with CHIP?
My bachelors degree in chemistry stemmed from my passion for science. It felt like the perfect combination that blended in elements of physics and biology. Learning about atoms and the human body naturally led me to develop an interest in healthcare. Initially starting off a path that would have led me to doing medicine, I wanted something different. I have also been an avid fan of technology and wondered if there was a way to marry it with my growing interest in healthcare.
I started looking for opportunities that met this criteria and came across Health Informatics which explores the area of technology and healthcare. During my research for such programs, I came across the UNC MPS in BMHI as part of their CHIP department. Reading through the different course offerings, I realized I’d be able to gain the opportunity to dive into various subjects from business to coding to healthcare. Part of my decision process to attend UNC also was due to the fact that their program and internship opportunities looked well established and various schools at UNC ranked very highly. My time at the program was a great learning experience and I have been able to carry over many of the skills/qualities I gained.
What have you been up to since you graduated?
I have been working at Applied Medical, a medical device company as a Clinical Development Analyst. My job is essentially to act as a product manager where I help overlook the software we use to help Surgical residents train in laparoscopic surgery. Our goal is to develop effective surgical simulation and in doing so, improve patient outcomes.
What do you find most rewarding about your work?
Going back to my interest in healthcare and my motive to help others, my work provides me the same opportunity. I get to indirectly help patients that will be treated by better skilled surgeons. I am also always learning which has been a part of my educational career since the beginning.
What do you like to do when you’re not at work?
Since my move to California I have been spending a fair time exploring the state. I’ve grown an interest in hiking and snowboarding. When I’m not out and about, I continue to catch up on all sorts of TV shows, movies as well as the occasional video gaming sessions.
Who inspires you?
My dad has always been an inspiration for me. Most of my organizational and management qualities come from what I learned from him. Seeing his dedication and hard work to bring our family to where it is now gives that motivational push to do things that I not only like but also will be for the better of others.
What advice would you give current CHIP students?
I would say to not be afraid to try new things. You never know what could catch your interest. But most importantly do what you have a passion for. I worked in a chemistry lab for 3 years and realized, while I loved learning new things, it wasn’t something I saw myself doing for a longer time. The CHIP department has many great contacts that can and will help you with all your needs from job insights to finding internships. Speaking from personal experience, I can vouch for the business courses that I had to take during the program. They have vastly helped me jumpstart my career in a professional industry and without knowing I sometimes use skills that I learned from those courses. All in all, this program is a great way to get you into a growing industry that has a variety of opportunities and the skills learned can be applied to many instances.
