This year’s recipient of the Michael Vitoux Health Technology Scholarship is Dr. Laelaf Hailu. Throughout Hailu’s academic career at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, he has displayed intuitive thinking and great interest in the field of health technology. 

“There are not many programs designed to allow students from various backgrounds to come together and learn,” Hailu said. “The MS in Health Technology program at UIUC is unique in that the College of Applied Health Sciences works in collaboration with the Grainger College of Engineering to provide a unique opportunity to pursue my goals.” 

Hailu chose this particular program because he has always been passionate about technology and the power it has to change people’s lives. After receiving his medical degree from the University of Gondar in Ethiopia, he knew he wanted to develop his technical skills and enter a master’s program that would lay the foundation for a career in digital health.  

“The scholarship means so many things to me. As an international student, funding is one of the main criteria when trying to select programs to apply for.” Hailu shared his gratefulness to the department for awarding him this scholarship. 

After graduation, Hailu plans “to work in helping patients utilize the power of technology.” The implications for technology’s use in medicine and healthcare are an emerging field with endless possibilities, Hailu wants, “to do my part and contribute to improving people’s lives.” 

In April 2024, Lalef Hailu was able to meet with Michael Vitoux, scholarship donor, Wendy Rogers, Health Technology Education Program Director, Katelyn Talbott, Health Technology Education Program Assistant Director, and Jean Driscoll, Assistant Dean for Advancement for a celebratory lunch. During the lunch, all had the exciting opportunity to view the near totality of the solar eclipse!