Empowering the Digital Health Workforce in Latin America: Perspectives from a Health Informatics Master’s Program in Argentina

Abstract

The Health Informatics Master’s Program at Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires (EMIS-HIBA), launched in 2017, addresses the growing need for skilled professionals in health informatics. This study describes the program, characterizes its student population, and evaluates its alignment with current standards. Key findings reveal gender disparities, with lower female enrollment, and a strong national footprint, with most students from Argentina. The transition to a fully online format in 2023 enhancing accessibility and addressed the need for flexible learning, although retention and graduation rates remain areas for improvement. The curriculum aligns closely with IMIA recommendations but underscores the importance of balancing technical and clinical content. These findings inform strategic program improvements, including continuous curriculum updates, increased female participation, and expanded international outreach. This analysis contributes to understanding the challenges and opportunities in health informatics education and highlights the value of adaptable educational models in fostering a skilled digital health workforce.