Writing the Next Chapter…Together

Change is an integral part of the health information (HI) profession.

Long before artificial intelligence (AI) entered everyday conversations, our community was  navigating seismic shifts, including electronic health records replacing paper charts, privacy laws redefining how data could be used, reimbursement models evolving, and interoperability becoming a national priority. Each time, HI professionals adapted, learned, and ultimately helped navigate the path forward.

What makes this moment feel different is the pace and the convergence of disruption on all fronts. AI is transforming workflows. New roles are emerging across informatics, data governance, auditing, cybersecurity, and revenue integrity. Regulations continue to evolve. Employers are asking for new competencies. And professionals at every career stage, from students just entering the field to seasoned executives, are asking a familiar and very human question: How do I stay relevant in this work?

At AHIMA, we hear that question clearly, and our answer is steady and unequivocal: you do not walk this journey alone.

When our CEO, Dave Cella, recently reflected on his first months in the role, he spoke about four strategic imperatives that will guide AHIMA forward: education, advocacy, career advancement, and the demonstration of the value of HI professionals. Those principles resonate deeply because they mirror what members tell us they need most in times of transformation: learning that keeps pace with change, a strong voice in policy discussions, diverse career pathways, and recognition for the indispensable work done every day.

In my role at AHIMA, I have the privilege of speaking with educators preparing students for certification, professionals adapting to AI-enabled coding tools, privacy leaders grappling with new regulatory proposals, and executives rethinking governance structures for a digital future. These conversations are not theoretical. They are practical, urgent, and filled with both curiosity and resolve. What unites each of us is a shared desire to contribute meaningfully to healthcare while continuing to grow in our own careers.

AI’s Impact on the Profession

While AI seems the most visible symbol of this new era, it is far from the only change reshaping our field. At AHIMA, we view AI not as a replacement for HI professionals, but as a catalyst, one that heightens the importance of data quality, ethical oversight, regulatory compliance, and strong governance. These pillars have always been core to our profession. The tools may be new, but the mission is not.

That is why we are investing so deliberately in education and resources that help members step confidently into emerging roles. We are developing learning programs focused on responsible AI use, supporting Communities of Practice where professionals can share real-world experiences and develop real-world resources. We are building pathways that connect evolving job roles to credentials and career advancement. Our goal is not simply to react to what is coming next, but to equip our community to lead.

Underlying all of this work is a simple belief: your career journey matters.

Whether you are preparing for your first certification exam, teaching the next generation of HI professionals, transitioning into informatics or analytics, navigating automation in revenue cycle operations, or guiding enterprise-wide strategy, AHIMA is designing its future with you in mind. We want to be more than a source for continuing education credits. We aspire to be your professional home across every stage of your career…a partner that evolves as you do, anticipates what you will need next, and advocates for the value you bring to healthcare.

Change can be unsettling. It can also be energizing, especially when you realize you are part of a profession that has spent nearly a century earning trust, protecting patients, and advancing quality. HI professionals have never been passive observers of transformation. We have built systems, safeguarded data, strengthened care delivery, and quietly ensured that the healthcare ecosystem functions with integrity.

This next chapter will be no different.

Together, we will continue to educate, advocate, elevate careers, and demonstrate, clearly and confidently, the impact of HI professionals in an increasingly digital world. The future of healthcare is being written right now, and I am deeply honored to be writing it alongside you.

Jennifer Mueller, MBA, RHIA, SHIMSS, FACHE, FAHIMA, FACHDM, is Senior Vice President: Health Information Career Advancement & Academic Affairs at AHIMA.