About two years ago I made the difficult decision to step away from a ten-year career in the arts and culture field, more specifically in arts administration. A few months later I accepted my first role in Healthcare IT, as a member of the Data Solutions team at AMSURG. That said, stepping into the HIT Workforce Accelerator program this spring was not just an opportunity to deepen my knowledge, but also a pivotal moment of growth and transformation in my new field.
Having immersed myself in Healthcare IT for over a year prior to the course, I had already navigated the initial challenges of adapting to a highly regulated and technically complex environment. However, the course offered a unique chance to refine my skills and expand my knowledge base, particularly in areas such as Revenue Cycle Management and IT Infrastructure.
One of the most eye-opening aspects of this program for me was the current state of healthcare in this country, which can best be described as rife for improvement. Another key takeaway was the program’s emphasis on leveraging technology to improve patient outcomes. In the arts, success often hinges on subjective interpretations and audience engagement. In healthcare, success is measured by tangible improvements in efficiency, accuracy, and ultimately, patient outcomes. Witnessing how my work could contribute to these critical aspects of healthcare delivery ignited a sense of purpose that transcended the boundaries of my previous career.
Collaboration, a cornerstone of arts administration, has taken on new dimensions in the world of Healthcare IT. In the arts, collaboration revolves around nurturing creative visions and fostering partnerships with donors and artists alike. In contrast, collaboration in healthcare requires aligning technical expertise with clinical needs and regulatory requirements. One of the best things about the HIT program was the opportunity to learn alongside individuals with different professional backgrounds and discovering the challenges and opportunities specific to their roles. This aspect of the program really highlighted the power of interdisciplinary collaboration in driving innovation and overcoming complex challenges.
The course was not without its challenges. As an outsider, navigating the acronyms and niche technical terminology in the healthcare field (e.g., EHRs, HL7, HITECH) has always been a challenge, but it was advanced topics such as medical coding and interoperability standards that really pushed me out of my comfort zone. But through the support of both the instructors and my fellow program participants, I embraced these challenges as opportunities for growth.
Looking forward, I am excited to continue my healthcare journey armed with the knowledge and skills acquired during HIT Workforce Accelerator program. The intersection of creativity, problem-solving, and technology continues to inspire me, as does my desire to make a meaningful impact on healthcare delivery. This program was not just a stepping stone but a transformative experience that has shaped my path and deepened my commitment to contributing to the future of healthcare.
I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Tennessee HIMSS chapter for their sponsorship of this program. Their dedication to fostering education and professional development in the field of Healthcare IT has been instrumental in shaping the next chapter of my career.