May 24th, 2011
It is our pleasure to recognize Professor Donna Schnepp, MHA, RHIA. She is the Program Coordinator of HealthInformation Technology, Coding Specialist, Medical Transcription, Medical Billing at Moraine Valley Community College. She shares with us her interest in Health Information Management as well as her goals as the new ILHIMA President.
How did you get interested in the field of HIM?
As with many of our HIM colleagues, my first career choice was not HIM. I was pursuing a degree in Biology and fortunately obtained a summer position working in Medical Records at Woodlawn Hospital. I loved the environment and was intrigued by all of the tasks required to complete the basic processing of a patient’s medical record.
Describe your educational background and the credentials that you have earned.
I definitely took the long route to pursue my education. Except for my last two years of undergraduate at UIC and Chicago State, all of my education has been on a part-time schedule. That is why I am so sympathetic to our students who are struggling raising a family, working and trying to complete our HIT program at the same time. I completed my MHA at Governors State and completed 30 additional hours to qualify for Professor at Moraine Valley.
What motivated you to become active in ILHIMA and run for President?
I love health information. I can’t imagine being in any other field. Although I have a very heavy workload coordinating the HIT Programs at Moraine, I feel it is very important I do what I can to energize our association.
What goals have you set for your term as President of ILHIMA?
ILHIMA has some very lofty goals for next year. We will be conducting our first ILHIMA Hill Day in Springfield to bring our legislative concerns to our State Senators and Representatives. We are also gearing up to host the 2012 National Convention that will be held in Chicago.
What can the membership do to help you achieve these goals?
We need volunteers in all of our focus areas. Whatever you are professionally interested in, we have a spot for you—whether you would like to be part of our Annual Meeting, Hill Day, talk to prospective members, be a 2012 National Convention volunteer, or work on the ICD-10 initiative—just send me an email and I will put you in contact with the right person (Schnepp@morainevalley.edu).
Do you have any advice for other HIM professionals who want to become involved in volunteering in local, state, or national professional associations?
Don’t be afraid to volunteer. Most people worry about the time commitment. Everyone works; we volunteer our services to match the amount of time we are able to give. An hour a week can make a big difference for you and our association.