Where It All Begins: Supporting Health Information Educators for a Stronger Future

Of the many things I’ve learned in my career, one stands out the most: education is where it all begins. Health information (HI) educators are the foundation of our profession, shaping the workforce that will carry us into the future. Without strong educators, there is no strong workforce. And yet, for too long, educators haven’t always felt they had the support and resources they need to thrive. Well, that’s changing.

With a fresh perspective and a renewed commitment to our educators, the AHIMA Academic Affairs team is taking real steps to empower and enrich HI educators who are preparing tomorrow’s HI professionals. We see you. We hear you. And we’re making sure you have the tools to succeed.

The Essential Role of HI Educators

HI educators are the conduit—connecting students to the countless opportunities within the healthcare ecosystem. We are the pipeline that supplies talent to revenue cycle, coding, informatics, compliance, and beyond. And as the field evolves, we need to ensure that educators have what they need to stay ahead, to innovate, and to inspire the next generation of HI leaders.

That’s why we’re making Academic Affairs more visible, more accessible, and more responsive to the needs of educators. Whether it’s resources for certification, publications, or expanding our online learning platforms, we’re committed to delivering the support you deserve.

Creating More Spaces for Connection

We recently held our first Educator Town Hall, and let’s just say… technology didn’t exactly cooperate (My bad! I can’t be pretty and perfect!). Despite the technical difficulties, what stood out most was the incredible engagement from our educators. Your passion and commitment were clear, and it confirmed what we already knew: we need more spaces like this.

So, we’re making it happen. Expect more Educator Town Halls in the future. These are your opportunities to ask questions, share challenges, and help shape the resources that will support you.

What’s Coming Up?

We’re creating more ways for you to connect, learn, and grow, including:

• AOE Quarterly Connect (March 20, 2025): Stay in the loop with key updates and discussions.
• In-person AOE at AHIMA25: Meet your peers, share insights, and collaborate in Minneapolis!
• Podcast (Launching March 7, 2025): End your week on a HI note! Tune in every first Friday for discussions on education, workforce trends, and the evolving HI landscape.

The Future Starts with You

If you’re an educator, know this: you are not alone. We’re here, we’re listening, and we’re committed to making this the best era yet for health information education.

I’m excited for what’s ahead and honored to be part of this journey with you. Whether it’s through town halls, upcoming events, or everyday conversations, let’s keep pushing forward and making a lasting impact.

The future of HI starts here—with educators like you.

Dr. Jasmine T. Agnew, DHPE, MHIIM, RHIA, CPHIMS, CSBI, eFACHDM, is the Senior Vice President, Academic Affairs and Professional Credentials for AHIMA.