Inaugural health informatics and information management graduates reflect on their experiences

On Saturday, April 27, 2019, the University of Southern Indiana's Health Informatics and Information Management (HIIM) program celebrated its inaugural graduating class during the College of Nursing and Health Professions Commencement Ceremony.

"The field of health informatics has received a promising new addition, and I could not be more proud. Our students' hard work, sacrifices and dedication have been rewarded, and I look forward to seeing all of them reap the benefits," said Dr. Gabriela Mustata Wilson, chair of Health Informatics and Information Management. 

Graduates offered these reflections on their experience in the program:

"Health informatics and information management led me to cooperate in the quality of health service. This field lights my path to start the electronic exchange of information in Saudi Arabia and to use technology to reduce medical error in the future. This program offers a lot of tools to move into the health care delivery system. By the end of the program, I was equipped with different skills in analyzing data that qualify me to be a researcher in the future."

--Muhanad Almoneef '19, HIIM four-year program

"Working in the health field has always been my dream. With the health informatics and information management degree, I was able to bring my dream closer to fruition. The lessons learned from each of the courses will go a long way in helping me become a better individual in society. I have garnered skills that will ensure I am a competitive team player in the job market. With the various skills acquired both in and out of class, I can proudly say that I am a self-motivated and independent learner. The experience gained through this program was certainly worth it."

--Msheal Alrasheedi '19, HIIM four-year program

"The USI HIIM program was an exciting challenge to add to my life. It gave me the inspiration to grow professionally and enhance my knowledge in project management, data analysis and health care information technology. Taking steps to educate individuals on the current stance and future of HIT (health information technology), will enable us to be better prepared for the changes yet to come."

--Michelle Goebel '19, HIIM degree completion program

"Through the HIIM program, I was able to learn about the extensive benefits of health information interoperability, not just for health care organizations, but patients as well, and why it is important to invest in it and expand it. I also learned effective project management skills that I will be able to utilize during future projects throughout my career in health informatics. This program provided me with a strong foundation of knowledge that I will continue to build upon throughout my career in the field of health informatics and information management."

--Mick Kemmerlin '19, HIIM degree completion program

"I am honored to have been a part of the inaugural class for the health informatics and information management program at USI and am grateful for the opportunities it has afforded me. Understanding and leveraging information are critical to the future of health care innovation and the quality of patient care. Thank you, Dr. Wilson, for your leadership."

--Jaelyn Smith '19, HIIM four-year program