Sandra Rockson, RHIA, CCMP, CSM
Healthcare Management Consultant, ECS Tech

What led you to pursue a career in health information (HI)?

I was inspired by my then professor who is now AHIMA’s President/Chair-elect Dr. Mona Calhoun, PhD, MS, Med, RHIA, FAHIMA, to pursue a career in HI management (HIM). I was a nursing student transitioning to HIM and on the first day of class Dr. Calhoun gave a riveting lecture on her experience in the HI field. I left class that day feeling confident that I made the right decision.

I love that HIM offers a wide range of career paths from medical coding/billing, health informatics, compliance, leadership, and many more. This diversity allows individuals to find roles that align with their interests and strengths. There is endless career mobility and HIM skills are transferrable across various healthcare settings, allowing for flexibility in choosing where to work. 

Tell us about your current position, your responsibilities, and what you like about your job.

I currently support the Veterans Health Administration, Office of Health Care Transformation as a healthcare consultant. I am responsible for mitigating potential risks, measuring outcomes, and improving the overall success of the Change Management Practitioner program.

You spoke during AHIMA23 at the Emerging Leaders session. What were the key messages that you shared with the audience?

I highlighted the benefits and rewards of AHIMA membership, how to the maximize the AHIMA conference experience, and the importance of being a forward-thinker in the HI/HIM industry.

Why do you advise emerging leaders to engage with AHIMA and the HI community? Why is that important?

Engaging with AHIMA and the HI community can be beneficial for emerging leaders in the field for several reasons. AHIMA provides a platform for professionals in HI to connect with each other. Engaging with AHIMA and participating in HI community events, conferences, and forums can help emerging leaders build a valuable professional network. These connections can lead to mentorship, collaboration, and career opportunities.

AHIMA also offers educational resources, certifications, and training opportunities that can help emerging leaders enhance their skills and advance their careers. This support can be instrumental in achieving leadership roles within the healthcare industry. Overall, engaging with the HI community is a way to foster professional growth, stay current in the field, and contribute to the advancement of HI as a discipline.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of your career?

The most rewarding aspect thus far had been my past leadership position as an HIM director. I enjoyed the responsibilities of guiding and inspiring my team toward organization goals. Not only was I able to tap more into my analytical and creative thinking skill, but I was able to provide great mentorship to my team. During that time, I discovered my passion for leadership and encouraging growth in others. 

What do you think the future holds for HI and the HI profession?

It is likely to be dynamic and filled with opportunities for professionals who are adaptable, tech-savvy, and committed to ensuring the quality and security of healthcare data while contributing to better patient care and healthcare system efficiency. Data analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning are being used to extract insights from health data. HI professionals will play a crucial role in ensuring data accuracy, privacy, and ethical use while leveraging data for improved patient care. Keeping up with the latest developments and trends in the healthcare industry will be essential for success in this field.