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Innovation is modifying an existing approach or creating a new process to solve a problem or a new opportunity. Innovation in Health IT is not always removing the current system and implementing cutting-edge technological advancements. Instead, a company can streamline its process by reconfiguring the existing software or integrating new technology alongside the existing model to better support the current system. I view innovation as the process we go through to increase patient care and make wiser business decisions with patients in mind. In the healthcare industry, we must be listening to the staff working directly with patients. They are a wealth of knowledge regarding how we can innovate to better serve our patients. It is essential to take note of phrases that begin with, "It would help me treat my patients if my patient or I could…" We need to pay attention and listen to these ideas to innovate appropriately.
My healthcare career surprisingly began in the payroll department of a healthcare company. At the time, I thought I was starting a journey towards an accounting career. While I can't recall the exact moment my career path trajectory shifted towards healthcare from accounting, I believe it was when I moved from payroll to IT. In the late 1980s into the early 1990s, I led a project to develop a state-of-the-art practice management system. At the time, it was very innovative and customized for our urgent and primary care business. We had some clinical functionality but not a full electronic medical record. I remember how amazed and excited I felt seeing the impact IT can have on healthcare. Not only is healthcare IT an essential field of work, but the passion I have developed over the years motivates me each day. I cannot imagine doing anything else.
As a non-clinician, I provide support to my clinical colleagues. I have a front-row seat watching clinicians dedicate their lives to improving and saving the lives of others. As the IT leader, I am responsible for making the systems available to provide the right information to the right person at the right time. Together, we work towards better technology that allows them to be better clinicians. I get a great deal of satisfaction when I know that my team's work is making a difference for our patients.
Go for it! We need diversity in health IT to be our best, and gender is one of many aspects of diversity. Historically, women have not been equally represented in IT, especially at the executive level. Though progress has occurred in recent years, there is still room for improvement. In my career, I have learned the importance of speaking up and asserting myself during business discussions with my colleagues. There are three critical actions that, if implemented, will serve you well in your career. 1. Be prepared. 2. Be knowledgeable. 3. Be able to listen.
A final piece of advice is finding a mentor, preferably a woman, who has a career you aspire to have and learn from them. Design that relationship to meet your needs. The mentor is not responsible for your career, but they have volunteered to support you. Take advantage of the mentor's willingness to advise and teach. Prepare for each meeting and spend time thinking about what you want/need to learn from your mentor.
