President's Message - July 2008

I hope this newsletter finds you enjoying the summer months.

Your MdHIMA Board is already working diligently this summer on many tasks including planning the educational programs for the year.

This year we have embraced the theme “Think Educate in ’08-‘09” with focuses on the following:

1. Educating the workforce

2. Educating the community

3. Growing the HIM Profession

Our first focus is to “Educate the Workforce”.  Several of the committees are already working hard planning the Quarterly Business Meetings (QBMs), Data Quality programs and, believe it or not, the Annual Meeting.  Check the Calendar of Events on our website to keep abreast of the many dynamic programs we will be offering throughout the year.  We are also continuing our partnership with PHIMA to offer audioconferences to the membership.

Our second priority is “Educating the Community” with a goal of increasing the number of members trained on MyPHR.  This will enable us to connect with more community groups and deliver our presentation on personal health records throughout the state.  Anne Marani and Janice Greenberg are co-chairing this committee.  If you are interested in participating, please contact them. 

The third priority for this year is “Growing the HIM Profession”.  With workforce studies showing that the number of HIM professionals in the field, in addition to students currently enrolled in our programs, will not meet the demands for future job opportunities, it is important that we act now.  The Board has budgeted funds for the HIM Program Directors to have monthly teleconference calls, beginning in September, with board representatives to better understand their needs and to formulate plans on how MdHIMA can assist our 6 health information programs.  We will keep you posted as to our progress with this new endeavor.  I also encourage each of you to dedicate a portion of your time mentoring students or potential students.  Fall is quickly approaching and is a terrific time to connect with the students and perhaps become involved as a practicum site.

Lastly, I want to mention that AHIMA’s Summer Team Talks and Leadership Conference was held in Chicago July 17 – 20.  Our delegates were in attendance and share updates later in this newsletter.  Several proposals will be up for vote at the House of Delegates (HOD) in Seattle in October.  We have heard from some of you on current issues, particularly related to the Vision 2016 plan, and we greatly appreciate your input.  We welcome commentary and encourage you to do so by contacting any of us on the Board throughout the year.  You can easily send emails to your Board members through the website by accessing the Executive Board directory.

Enjoy the remainder of the summer and I hope to see you at the September QBM.

Regards,

Dauna Mays, RHIA
MdHIMA President 2008-2009