Postgraduate Certificate in Online Health Communities
Published on June 28, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to our podcast, today I'm thrilled to be joined by Dr. Sarah Peterson, an expert in digital health communication and the lead instructor for the Postgraduate Certificate in Online Health Communities. Sarah, welcome! GUEST: Thank you, I'm excited to be here! HOST: To start, could you share a bit about your experience in this field and what drew you to teaching this course? GUEST: Of course! I've been working in eHealth and digital communication for over 15 years. I'm passionate about leveraging technology to improve health outcomes and empower patients. This course offers a unique opportunity to share that knowledge and experience with others. HOST: That's fantastic. Now, the course covers topics like eHealth, social media, and digital health literacy. Could you tell us about any current industry trends in these areas? GUEST: Absolutely. Telehealth, for instance, has seen exponential growth due to the pandemic. Also, there's a growing emphasis on digital health literacy as more people turn to online resources for health information. Lastly, social media platforms are increasingly being used for health support and advocacy. HOST: Interesting insights. Now, what are some challenges faced in designing, managing, and evaluating online health communities? GUEST: Ensuring privacy and security is a major challenge. Also, maintaining engagement and combating misinformation can be tricky. We address these issues in the course, equipping learners with strategies to overcome them. HOST: That's reassuring. Lastly, where do you see the future of online health communities heading? GUEST: I believe we'll see increased personalization, more integration with wearable tech, and a stronger focus on mental health support. The potential is immense, and I'm excited to prepare the next generation of professionals to lead in this field. HOST: Dr. Peterson, thank you for sharing your expertise and insights with us today. It's been a pleasure discussing the Postgraduate Certificate in Online Health Communities. GUEST: My pleasure, thank you for having me!
