About MAYA
An emerging initiative with a clear purpose.
What is MAYA?
MAYA Digital Health Academy is an emerging educational initiative focused on helping the next generation of healthcare professionals develop practical skills for a changing healthcare environment.
MAYA brings together healthcare, digital health, technology, public health, research and professional development through accessible and practical learning opportunities.
Our initial focus is on female medical students and young women in healthcare in Afghanistan, particularly those who face barriers to continuing their education and professional development.
Why was MAYA created?
Healthcare is changing rapidly. Digital technologies, telemedicine, artificial intelligence, healthcare data and new models of care are becoming increasingly important in how healthcare is delivered.
MAYA was created from the belief that healthcare education should evolve alongside these changes. Medical students and young healthcare professionals need opportunities to develop skills beyond traditional medical education — skills that can help them understand, participate in and shape the future of healthcare.
MAYA begins with a focus on creating accessible learning opportunities for women in healthcare, with a long-term vision of building an international learning community.
Why the name MAYA?
MAYA was named in memory of a dear friend whose life left a lasting impact on the people around her.
For us, the name represents more than a person. It represents the idea that a meaningful legacy can continue through education, opportunity and the people whose lives are changed by learning.
MAYA is therefore built around a simple idea: knowledge can continue to create impact long after it is shared.
The name is a reminder of the human purpose behind the academy — to create opportunities, support potential and help the next generation of healthcare professionals move forward.
The problem we aim to address
Interrupted access to education
Some female medical students face interruptions or restrictions in formal education. MAYA aims to offer an additional learning pathway for continued learning and professional development.
Limited digital-health education
Telemedicine, health data, artificial intelligence and digital transformation are becoming increasingly relevant to healthcare, yet opportunities to learn about these areas may be limited.
Healthcare and technology are connected
Modern healthcare increasingly involves collaboration between clinicians, researchers, data professionals, project managers and technology teams. Understanding these connections can help healthcare professionals participate more effectively.
Practical skills matter
Knowing concepts is only part of learning. Practical assignments, projects, case studies and real-world applications can help learners turn knowledge into usable skills.
Professional skills matter
Communication, research, leadership, teamwork and project management can play an important role in healthcare education and professional development.
Access to networks
Learning also happens through people. Mentors, peers, educators, researchers and organizations can provide opportunities for guidance, collaboration and professional connection.
Our educational philosophy and approach
Learn. Apply. Connect. Education at MAYA aims to be practical, accessible, interdisciplinary, collaborative and evidence-informed. MAYA is a complementary learning environment and does not replace medical school or formal university education. We do not expect every healthcare professional to become a programmer. We want them to be digitally aware and ready to take part in modern healthcare.
Learn
Knowledge in healthcare, digital health, public health and professional skills.
Apply
Assignments, projects, workshops and case studies.
Connect
Professionals, peers, mentors, researchers and organizations.
Our vision
MAYA aims to grow from an emerging educational initiative into a broader learning and professional development platform connecting healthcare learners with educators, researchers, professionals and organizations.
Over time, we hope to create more opportunities for learning, mentorship, research, collaboration and innovation in digital health and healthcare.
Founder
Afsoon Eshraq
Afsoon Eshraq is a medical graduate and Digital Health & Data Science professional with experience across healthcare, research, education and digital health.
Her work focuses on digital health, telemedicine, healthcare technology and education, with a particular interest in helping healthcare professionals develop skills for a changing healthcare environment.
She founded MAYA Digital Health Academy to create accessible learning opportunities that connect healthcare education with digital and professional skills.
Connect with Afsoon on LinkedInBuild the future of healthcare with us.
Whether you are a learner, healthcare professional, mentor, researcher or organization, there are different ways to become part of MAYA as it grows.