August 9th, 2011
Joan McKenzie-Hobbs is Chief of Health Information Management Section at Hines VA. Here she shares with us her thoughts on the HIM profession and the role of AHIMA members in promoting the profession.
1. How did you become interested in the field of HIM?
I became interested in the field of HIM while studying at Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois. Actually, it was unintentional. The prerequisite courses I was taking for nursing school were the same as those for the Medical Records Administration (MRA) program. Therefore, when I changed my major and without the risk of losing the hard earned credits I incurred, I decided to enter the MRA program.
2. Describe your educational background and the credentials that you have earned.
I obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Records Administration from Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois; an RHIA credential with the American Health Information Management Association; Masters of Business Administration with a concentration in Healthcare Administration and Finance from Roosevelt University in Chicago, Illinois; and recently became board certified in Healthcare Management as a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE)—a professional society dedicated to promoting the highest standards of professional, educational and leadership performance; the highest ethical standards and conduct; and the advancement of healthcare management excellence.
3. What motivated you to secure your FACHE credential?
Following the completion of my MBA, it was recommended that I became a member of ACHE. A few years later, I was promoted to Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and Contract Services . It was at this time that I realized that in order for me to maximize my potential in healthcare management, I needed to become a Fellow. It was not until 2010 when I joined Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital (where I received the overwhelming support of my boss and senior leadership in a culture promoting education and training), that I was inspired to take and pass the Board of Governors Examination in Healthcare Management and granted the opportunity to complete the required category 1 credits.
4. What goals have you set as a result of securing the FACHE credential?
The goal I have set for myself is continued commitment to excellence in healthcare management and to assist my current employer (the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) in demonstrating our core values of Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect and Excellence in providing care to our veterans and their families.
5. What can the membership do to help you achieve these goals?
The members can assist me in achieving my goal by also committing to excellence in healthcare management;, and whenever they meet a veteran, please acknowledge his or her service to our nation and inform him/her that Edward Hines Jr. VA (located in Hines, Illinois) is his/her hospital of “Choice”.
6. Do you have any advice for other HIM professionals who want to advance in the HIM Profession?
Always strive to meet and exceed the standards. Once they have mastered the task on hand, do not hesitate to ask for additional responsibilities even though it may not come with a pay raise. The experience one day will prove to be invaluable. Also, it is very important to develop a career plan.
7. Please feel free to provide any other comments or thoughts that you would like to share with other HIM practitioners.
As an HIM professional, quality is of utmost importance in maintaining the credibility and integrity of your work. Encourage staff members to be respectful of themselves, their work, coworkers and their customers. Always lead by example and model the behavior you expect from all staff members. Support the efforts of employees to develop and grow by promoting an environment where education and training are not only valued but highly encouraged. Trust in the mission and vision of the organization, and demand excellence in your work.