A Year of Great Achievements Sets Up a Bright Future at AHIMA

Dear AHIMA Members, 

As I write my final message to AHIMA members, I am filled with gratitude and a profound sense of pride in the incredible journey we've embarked upon together over the past year. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as your board president/chair. Your support, dedication, and enthusiasm have been the driving force behind our collective achievements, and I am excited to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation. 

As we began this year with power poses and a collective acknowledgment of our diverse styles, little did we know the incredible impact we would make on the field of health information (HI). Each one of you, with your unique perspectives and approaches, contributed to the powerful synergy that defines the AHIMA community. 

In our journey together, we have celebrated successes, learned from challenges, and, most importantly, recognized the pivotal role HI professionals play in shaping the future of healthcare. Our ability to communicate, collaborate, and connect the dots within the vast landscape of data is unparalleled. 

You have heard me say that data is not just raw information; it has a soul, a story waiting to be told. Our role as HI professionals is to give voice to that data, to articulate the narratives within, and to ensure the integrity and trustworthiness of the information that guides patient care. 

Reflecting on the accomplishments of this year, I am proud of the strides we have taken in AHIMA governance, ensuring that our processes align with the evolving needs of our industry. We've increased member value by focusing on content, career, and community, and initiated a search for new leadership. Throughout, AHIMA has maintained fiscal security and remained a beacon of expertise in the industry. 

A highlight of our collective efforts has been our impactful advocacy work, influencing policies and regulations that directly impact patients. Through initiatives like Patient ID Now, we laid the groundwork for a national strategy on patient identity, demonstrating the tangible impact of health information professionals on healthcare outcomes. In July, AHIMA updated and launched an expanded demographic data element framework to help capture standardized data and assist in identifying and matching person(s) in health information technology systems.  

Your advocacy extends beyond organizational boundaries; you are advocates for our profession and, more importantly, for the patients whose lives are touched by the data we collect and analyze. It is through your voices that we bring real-world experiences to policymakers, making the seemingly complex issues relatable and understandable. 

A New Year Brings New Opportunities 

Looking ahead, we recognize the pressing need for addressing healthcare disparities and promoting health equity. The launch of Data for Better Health™ underscores our commitment to using data as a powerful tool for positive change. Through this initiative, we aim to increase awareness of the impact of social determinants of health data on individual and community well-being. 

As AHIMA welcomes a new CEO, I am excited about the fresh perspectives and leadership this appointment will bring. The collaboration with HCPro adds a new dimension to our growth, promising expanded resources and opportunities for our members. In addition, our reach is not limited to domestic boundaries; we are committed to fostering growth and collaboration internationally. 

I want to express my deep appreciation to the AHIMA team, including interim CEO Amy Mosser, for ensuring the continuity of our mission this past year. Your dedication and resilience have been instrumental in maintaining the organization's momentum. 

As I pass the torch to incoming leaders, I am confident that AHIMA will continue to thrive under their guidance. Change is a constant, and our ability to adapt will define our success. I encourage you to embrace the evolution within the governance structure of AHIMA and contribute your unique perspectives to the ongoing discussions. Your voice is essential as we collectively navigate the path to modernization and sustainability. Our governance structure, though rooted in tradition, needs thoughtful consideration to ensure its relevance in the evolving landscape of professional associations. Let us engage in open, honest discussions about modernization and sustainability, recognizing that change is essential for progress. 

As I've often said, don't wait to be invited to the table. Create your own table, say yes, and contribute your unique perspectives to the evolving landscape of health information. 

In closing, I want to leave you with the wise words of one of our past presidents, Katherine Lusk: "Assume good intent." Each one of us is dedicated to the betterment of our profession and association. As we continue the vital work of AHIMA, let us approach challenges with optimism, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence. 

Thank you, AHIMA members, for your passion, dedication, and willingness to shape the future of health information. It has been an extraordinary journey, and I am excited to see the great heights you will undoubtedly reach in the years to come. 

Jennifer Mueller, MBA, RHIA, SHIMSS, FACHE, FAHIMA, is the outgoing 2023 AHIMA board president/chair.