Mpho Begin: Bridging health care gaps through technology and data
Growing up in Botswana, Mpho Begin never imagined pursuing a career in engineering or health care technology. But when she was introduced to computer engineering in university, she discovered her passion. “I got curious about what a computer was and how it worked, and that’s when I learned about the field of engineering,” she recalled. This newfound interest led her to study engineering abroad, earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in computer engineering in Canada and eventually landing her a spot on HDRN Canada’s Public Advisory Council (PAC).
An early role with the Public Health Agency of Canada, where she developed software for disease outbreak surveillance, sparked an interest in how technology can be used to improve health care. “It intrigued me to see how technology could improve people’s lives,” she explained. Today, Begin applies her engineering expertise to improve health care outcomes, using technology to solve health care challenges, particularly in marginalized communities. “Technology plays a big role in improving living standards,” she said. “With connected care devices, people can track their health, and this generates a lot of health data. Researchers can use this data to improve health outcomes, especially for marginalized communities where access to health care is limited.”
In rural areas, many people lack access to primary care doctors. Technology, such as remote monitoring, can help bridge this gap by allowing patients to track their health and access doctors remotely. ~ Mpho Begin
Begin’s commitment to improving health care for marginalized populations, especially in rural areas, has been shaped by her personal experiences. “In rural areas, many people lack access to primary care doctors. Technology, such as remote monitoring, can help bridge this gap by allowing patients to track their health and access doctors remotely.” Such innovations can significantly improve health care equity, she added, ensuring that even the most isolated communities can benefit from modern health care practices.
Begin strives to create inclusive health care practices through her advocacy for diverse voices in health care decision-making. “Canada is a diverse country, and different communities experience health care challenges differently. Including diverse perspectives can help shape policies that are equitable and inclusive,” she said. “As an immigrant myself, I understand the challenges of moving to a new country, navigating a different culture, food, weather and health care system.,” Begin’s personal journey navigating the Canadian health care system during her first pregnancy deepened her understanding of the challenges immigrants and refugees face, motivating her to volunteer for organizations like the George and Fay Yee Centre for Healthcare Innovation, an HDRN Canada member organization.
Begin’s work with HDRN Canada’s Public Advisory Council builds on her unique perspective as an engineer, immigrant and patient. “As an engineer, I’m curious about how data from outside the health care system like data generated by wearable devices can be integrated with traditional health care data,” she says.
As an entrepreneur and the founder of Cassidy e-Care Solutions, a digital health startup focused on diabetes management, Begin marries her expertise and advocacy. “I was inspired to start this startup because of my personal experience navigating the health system and struggling to access care while at home,” she explained. She developed an app to help marginalized and rural communities manage diabetes, allowing patients to track their health between doctor visits.
Through her work on HDRN Canada’s PAC and as an entrepreneur, Begin is committed to using technology and data to bridge health care gaps and improve outcomes for underserved populations. “My goal is to continue advocating for the accessibility and quality of health data for researchers to use for the common good.”