by Alonzo Blackwell, RHIA
The Leadership Symposium was held on July 15, 2022 virtually. I remember going to Chicago in 2019 before COVID. We had a great time and enjoyed the classes. My only issue was my flight being delayed 4 hours. Nothing like people watching to speed up the time and falling asleep on a stranger’s shoulder! Lucky for me she was really nice and beautiful!
This year’s symposium focused on leading boldly and positioning HIM professionals as one of the leading voices in health care as well as recruiting intentionally to increase representation in our field.
There was a class that focused on how board members should be held accountable and what the expectations should be for the Executive Director as well as what the Executive Director should expect from the Board. We also learned that every Board has a culture and should always have a sense of belonging for the board members. Do Board members feel heard?
We also heard about the 4 P’s:
Purpose
People
Principles
Process
There was great conversation regarding advocacy and it being an area of “opportunity” for CSA’s to build consistency and long term focus for state level participation.
One of the biggest "satisfiers" when you sum up the meeting is being able to advocate for our work and the patients that we serve. The opportunity to advocate for health care for those who are underprivileged or lacking a voice. You have to have passion for the work that we do because it does continue to make a difference.
I truly enjoyed the experience!
About the Author
Alonzo Blackwell, RHIA is currently a Delegate on the OHIMA FY 2022-23 Board of Directors, as well as the Regional President for NOHIMA. Alonzo is a Manager, HIM-Release of Information at Summa Health System.
