AHIMA Triumph Awards: Spotlight on Student Award Recipient Diana Morales Torres, MSc-HIM

The AHIMA Triumph Awards are national awards designed to recognize people who have made a difference in the health information (HI) profession. The awards honor leaders in the HI field, reward contributions that build our knowledge base, recognize excellence in preparing future HI professionals, and encourage fresh talent and new leadership.

AHIMA bestowed four Triumph Awards this year: the Distinguished Member Award, the Influencer Award, the Educator Award, and the Student Award. The Journal of AHIMA caught up with each recipient or the people who nominated them to learn more about their careers.

Diana Morales, MSc-HIM, is currently pursuing a PharmD at the University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus. She is an active member of PRHIMA and has served as a student liaison and Hurricane Maria health record extractor. Morales intends to become a specialist in the pharmacy informatics field and aid in the process of planning, development, implementation, and maintenance of new technologies in pharmacy.

Can you share what this Triumph Award means to you?

First, I would like to thank AHIMA and congratulate the other winners and nominees. For me, this award represents the achievements made within the student community and the impact it can have on future students who can achieve greater and important things in the health administration profession in Puerto Rico. This would not be possible without the support of my professors, mentors, colleagues, family, AHIMA, and my local chapter, PRHIMA.

How did you get your start in the world of health information?

When I was finishing my bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences, I began to look for graduate degrees related to science, health, and technology. This is how I first learned about the field of health information management. What caught my attention was the versatility of the curriculum and opportunity to apply the vast knowledge acquired to different careers and specialties. Without hesitation, I decided to apply to the only health information management master's program in Puerto Rico. Thankfully, I was accepted, and this is when I began to get involved with the profession.

In your profile, you shared an interest in new technologies in pharmacy. Is there a particular goal you would like to accomplish in this area?

One of my goals is to obtain training in pharmacy informatics and use my own health information management background to aid in the process of planning, development, implementation, and maintenance of new technologies in pharmacy. I’m particularly interested in telepharmacy and the applications of HIPAA law and electronic health records.

What gets you most excited about the work you are currently doing?

As a pharmacy student, I am excited to see how healthcare is evolving and applying technology to increase the quality of service rendered to patients. We can appreciate how the role of an HI professional is becoming more versatile, and is a key player in decision-making processes in healthcare administration.

How long have you been an active member of AHIMA, and what difference has this community made in your career?

I have been an active member of AHIMA and my local chapter PRHIMA since August 2020. When I was completing my master’s degree, AHIMA gave me a variety of tools in order to be successful such as textbooks, peer-reviewed articles, and great resources that could be found in on their website. I found the information about different certifications and career paths to be helpful, but most importantly, AHIMA showed me the great community of professionals in this field who are willing to give their best.

What do you find to be the most enriching about being a member of the HI community?

The opportunity to network and understand the different roles a health information administrator can hold. For a student or recent graduate, this can be very important, since these types of connections offer a real-life glimpse into the field outside of the classroom.

What do you consider to be the most exciting aspect of studying health information?

The most exciting aspect of studying health information is that you get a sense of engagement and fulfillment in the profession. The majority of industry colleagues and peers are willing to serve as mentors and always support others in the field. This kind of community gives you confidence to be open to opportunities and experiences along the way in health information management.

What would be your advice to younger students interested in pursuing this field?

My advice to younger students is to be open to continued learning and new experiences within this field. Like any other industry, healthcare is an evolving field that is always striving to provide the best services to the community. Our roles are constantly being redefined, and we can only be part of HI if we are open to thinking outside the box and accepting change and challenges.