PDN INTRODUCES TWO NEW STAFF MEMBERS

Garrick Smothers, PDN President, is pleased to announce the addition of Aziza Ziad (Corporate Recuriter) and Tiffany Windmon, CCS, CCS-P, Approved AHIMA ICD-10-CM/PCS Trainer (Coding Supervisor) to the PDN staff.

Aziza recently shared some of her thoughts about working in the healthcare field and about the challenges of her job as PDN Corporate Recruiter.

Aziza
1.  What or who inspired you to pursue a health care career?

Healthcare was always very important to me. Throughout high school, I volunteered at Children’s    Memorial and always knew I wanted to do my part.  The natural progression of class selection led me to Health Information Management.

 

2.  Describe your educational background and the credentials that you have earned.

While receiving my Bachelors from UIC in Health Information Management, I had the privilege to have had Gerri Smothers as one of my professors. PDN was in its beginning stages and I was given the opportunity to intern and was hired right after graduation.  As Account Executive, my position involved recruitment and account management.

 

3.  What skills do you need to succeed in your job?

There are many skills that recruiters need to possess in order to be successful.    They include exceptional communication skills, an enthusiastic personality, quick thinking, and patience.

 

4.  What is the toughest part of your job?

I believe the toughest part of my job is being patient, especially when dealing with time- sensitive issues.

 

5.  Describe the most valuable lesson you learned in your career.

The most valuable lesson I have learned is from Gerri Smothers, and that is “Never burn any bridges.”

 

PDN Coding Supervisor Tiffany Windmon also shared her thoughts for our readers.

tiffany

1.    What or who inspired you to pursue a health care career?

I suppose it was just something I’ve always enjoyed.

 

2.    Describe your previous experience in health care.

My first job was as a lifeguard, followed by becoming a Paramedic, and then onto the administrative side of things with coding.

 

3.    Describe your educational background and the credentials that you have earned.

I am currently working on a degree in Health Informatics which will allow me to sit for the RHIA exam.  I am a CCS, CCS-P, and AHIMA approved ICD-10/PCS trainer.

 

4.    What skills do you need to succeed in your job?

You must be detail-oriented, have a love for research, and possess excellent communication skills.

 

5.     What advice would you offer HIM or other professionals who want to progress in their careers? 

The most successful people are those who realize that learning is an every-day function.

 

Both Aziza and Tiffany have proven to be valuable additions to the staff.