Recent Luddy Health Informatics graduate Shikhar Shukla began his career in clinical practice after receiving his Bachelor’s degree in dental surgery. His interest in data science in the healthcare domain eventually led him to IU Indianapolis and the Luddy School for a master’s degree and then to his current position as a Fellow at the Center for Disease Control (CDC). The CDC conducts critical science and provides health information that protects the United States against expensive and dangerous health threats and responds when these arise.
“During my years of practice, I frequently read research papers to stay updated on the latest clinical practices, which piqued my interest in statistical analysis and machine learning. I became fascinated by the data side of healthcare, especially how research sets the standards for clinical care. I realized that Health Informatics closely aligned with my interest in data science and the healthcare domain, making it the ideal choice for my further education,” Shukla said.
Shukla began his fellowship on August 12, 2024, at the CDC’s Roybal Campus in Atlanta, Georgia. “The opportunity to work at a leading public health institution like the CDC is both an honor and a profound learning experience, as it allows me to contribute to projects that have a direct impact on public health surveillance and informatics,” he said. His current title is Public Health Informatics Fellow, and he is hosted by the Mycotic Diseases Branch under the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID) at the CDC.
Invaluable real-world, hands-on experiential learning
Shukla chose Luddy Indianapolis because it offered the perfect environment for advancing his expertise in Health Informatics. “The program provides an excellent combination of comprehensive coursework, renowned faculty, and a diverse, intellectually stimulating student community. One of the key reasons was the opportunity to learn from esteemed professors such as Dr. Saptarshi Purkayastha and Dr. Josette Jones, both of whom are highly respected in the field of informatics and bring a wealth of practical and academic experience to the table,” he said.
The curriculum at Luddy stood out to Shukla for its robust blend of technical and professional courses. He was particularly drawn to core subjects like Applied Statistical Methods for Biomedical Informatics and Clinical Information Systems, which provided a solid foundation in the critical data-driven aspects of healthcare. The inclusion of professional courses like Project Management further appealed to him, as it emphasized the practical, organizational side of delivering informatics solutions in real-world settings.
Moreover, Luddy’s emphasis on experiential learning through the Health Informatics Internship Project and the Capstone: Problem-Solving in Health Informatics presented invaluable opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts. “These hands-on experiences allowed me to engage with complex healthcare challenges and develop solutions grounded in data science, which was exactly what I sought from a master’s program,” Shukla said.
“Luddy also offered a global perspective, a vital component for me, as healthcare informatics is an ever-evolving, globally relevant field. The exposure to international perspectives and diverse healthcare challenges has enriched my understanding and will enable me to apply global solutions to local challenges in my future work.”
During his time at Luddy, Shukla worked closely with Dr. Saptarshi Purkayastha in the Biomedical Engineering and Informatics Department as a Research Assistant across several semesters, contributing to a number of cutting-edge research projects. This role broadened his skillset significantly, not only in technical research methodologies but also in project design, implementation, and analysis. These projects honed his ability to conduct independent research and taught him how to navigate the complexities of starting and managing research initiatives.
Purkayastha, Associate Professor of Data Science and Health Informatics, said, “From day one, Shikhar showed maturity and growth mindset that were crucial for him to adjust rapidly to the evolving field of health informatics. His journey from clinical practice to becoming a CDC fellow demonstrates the kind of professional growth and transformation we aim to foster in our students.”
Opportunity was a Handshake away
Shukla discovered his fellowship opportunity through Handshake, an invaluable resource provided through the Luddy School. Handshake facilitated his search for relevant career opportunities, and after thoroughly reviewing the requirements and qualifications for the Public Health Informatics Fellowship, he decided it was an ideal fit and proceeded to apply.
As a Public Health Informatics Fellow at the CDC, Shukla’s primary responsibility is serving as the go-to developer for the branch’s informatics solutions. He is tasked with supporting high-priority projects aimed at advancing the branch’s mission, which focuses on public health surveillance, fungal infection research, and response efforts. His role involves designing and developing data solutions that will help modernize the branch’s informatics capabilities, contributing directly to the Data Modernization Initiative.
On a broader level, Shukla is working to gain an in-depth understanding of the various fungi studied by the branch, and his work ties directly into projects with significant public health impact. A critical aspect of his responsibilities is to assist his branch and, by extension, State, Tribal, Local, and Territorial (STLT) Health Departments in their efforts to modernize data collection, management, and integration processes.
“In my time here so far, I’ve gained familiarity with several key platforms and tools the branch uses, gaining insight into how data-driven decisions. I’ve also learned the intricacies here, interagency collaborations, and the workflow of public health informatics within the CDC. I am nearing the completion of a small but meaningful project that aligns with the branch’s data modernization efforts.”
While I cannot disclose detailed information about my work due to CDC’s confidentiality and ethical guidelines, I can say that the experience so far has been both intellectually stimulating and rewarding, as it has enhanced my understanding of public health informatics and the real-world application of data solutions to improve public health outcomes.”
Faculty offer critical preparation for challenges
Shukla said Luddy Indianapolis has been instrumental in preparing him for the challenges he now faces as a Public Health Informatics Fellow. “The program equipped me with a solid foundation in programming languages like Python and R, both of which are indispensable in the daily tasks of an informatician. These languages have proven essential in my work, from data analysis to the development of complex informatics solutions.”
A significant aspect of Shukla’s training at Luddy was the exposure to DHIS2, a widely used health management information system that is pivotal in public health informatics. DHIS2’s applications in real-world health data management, particularly its use in resource-limited settings, directly align with the work he does now at the CDC, where robust and scalable informatics solutions are vital for public health surveillance and disease control.
“My experience in end-to-end machine learning projects at Luddy has also been invaluable. These projects enhanced my technical skills and also sharpened my ability to think critically about data-driven solutions and their real-world applications in healthcare. I have applied machine learning techniques to a variety of healthcare datasets, which has prepared me for the analytical challenges in public health informatics,” Shukla said.
He said he owes much of his success to his professor and mentor, Dr. Saptarshi Purkayastha, who provided him with numerous opportunities to participate in research and whose guidance has been fundamental to his development as a researcher and an Informatics professional.. Through Purkayastha’s mentorship, Shukla not only gained a deep understanding of programming languages but also became well-versed in machine learning and its practical applications in informatics.
Courses such as Clinical Decision Support Systems, taught by Professor Josette Jones, were impactful, as well as another key course, Clinical Information Systems, taught by Dr. Cathy Fulton,
“I am extremely thankful for Dr. Fulton’s instruction, as it laid the foundation for my work with health information systems today. Additionally, the course on Health Standards and Terminologies, taught by Dr. Zeyana Hamid, was essential in helping me understand the importance of standards such as HL7, FHIR, and ICD in ensuring the accuracy and interoperability of health data. This knowledge has proven crucial in my role, where data standardization is key to successful public health informatics solutions,” Shukla said.
Future near-term and long-term career plans
Shukla’s future career plans are focused on advancing within the field of public health informatics, with the goal of developing innovative data-driven solutions that can make a meaningful impact on public health systems at both national and global levels. As a Public Health Informatics Fellow at the CDC, he is gaining valuable experience in data modernization, health surveillance, and the use of informatics tools to enhance public health infrastructure.
“In the near term, I aim to further deepen my expertise in areas such as data integration, machine learning in healthcare, and scalable informatics systems that can improve decision-making and disease monitoring efforts, Shukla said. “I also plan to continue contributing to data modernization initiatives, ensuring that public health systems are equipped to handle emerging threats and challenges efficiently.”
Long term, Shukla envisions himself in a leadership role within a public health organization, where he can guide strategic decisions related to health data systems, informatics infrastructure, and policy development. He is particularly interested in addressing global health challenges through interoperable health systems, data standardization, and improving access to health data in underserved regions.
Additionally, he wants to remain engaged in research and academic collaborations, where he can contribute to the development of new informatics methodologies.
Stay adaptable and seek out mentors
“One of the most valuable aspects of my experience has been the journey from transitioning out of clinical practice into the world of health informatics. It’s been both challenging and rewarding, and I’ve learned the importance of being adaptable, constantly learning, and staying curious. This field is dynamic and ever-evolving, so it’s crucial to stay ahead of emerging technologies and practices,” Shukla said.
Shukla said a key piece of advice is to seek out mentors early on. “My success is largely due to the mentorship I received from professors like Dr. Saptarshi Purkayastha, who guided me through complex research and introduced me to practical applications of informatics. A good mentor can provide you with opportunities to expand your skillset, navigate career decisions, and help you stay focused on your goals.”
I would also encourage students to get involved in research and practical projects. The hands-on experience you gain through internships, research assistantships, or even personal projects can be invaluable. It helps you apply what you’ve learned in class, and it also allows you to develop problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios, which will be critical as you move into your professional career.”
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