The HIIM Department has started blogging. In an effort to engage alumni and current students regarding timely, interesting and important issues facing our department and the profession generally, we are taking to the pen (so to speak). To register for our blog and read the first blog post, click HERE.

CSS HIIM Blog

• 2012-2013: Kayla Zirbes 

• 2014-2015: Kate Gray

I can describe being on the Student Advisory Council in one word - Rewarding. Through monthly teleconference meetings, I have learned so much about being involved and having a say in the future of the Health Information field. After returning home from the national convention, we (my class) were asked what our favorite part of the conference was, at which everyone replied, "the dolphins!" (We saw a dolphin show at the Georgia Aquarium), and that was when I realized how it is to be in the AHIMA Student Advisory Council. The AHIMA Student Advisory Council introduced me to friends and opportunities of a lifetime and a chance to grow as a person and in the field of HIM.  

1.     Why did you want to be a part of the SAC?

I was studying abroad in Ireland, felt disconnected with my classmates, and I began questioning whether I had made the correct decision with my career path of Health Information Management - I knew I needed to get more involved and I wanted to get more involved.

2.     Why should I be a part of the SAC?

Give me one good reason you should not be a part of the Student Advisory Council! Being a part of this group is beyond rewarding; I feel connected to the professional world of Health Information, I get to advocate for what I am passionate about, and most importantly I can feel myself 'growing.'

3.     What does it take to become a part of the SAC?

It takes a person like you to be a part of the Student Advisory Council! Don't worry about 'feeling unprepared' or 'not being worth it;' I certainly didn't. You do not need any sort of outstanding characteristics; that is what makes it fun, educational, and diverse: Be Different - Be You!

4.     What do you do on the SAC?

Each year is different - you make the Student Advisory Council what it is, with the different ideas you 'bring to the table.' Traditionally you will have a teleconference call once a month with all the SAC members and you will do a presentation at the national AHIMA convention, the rest is up to you!

5.     When should I apply to be on the SAC?

Look for the application around April; you can find it on http://www.ahima.org/careers/sac 

6.     Link for more information: http://www.ahima.org/careers/sac 

Darcee Roeschlein, HIM Class of 2014

Pam Oachs, Assistant Professor and Undergraduate Program Director, and Kerri Mesia, HIIM adjunct faculty, have both successfully passed the Certified Health Data Analyst examination. The credential represents professionals who possess the knowledge to acquire, manage, analyze, interpret, and transform data into accurate, consistent, and timely information, while balancing the "big picture" strategic vision with day-to-day details. Please join me in congratulating Pam Oachs, MA, RHIA, CHDA, FAHIMA and Keri Mesia, RHIA, CHDA on this achievement. For additional information regarding the CHDA credential, click HERE. 

Danika Brinda has successfully passed the Certified Healthcare Information Security and Privacy Practitioner examination. The credential represents "a practitioner's core knowledge and experience in security and privacy controls for personal health information." Please join me in congratulating Danika Brinda, MA, RHIA, CHPS, HCISSP. For additional information regarding the CHDA credential, click HERE.