Meet Lisa M. Delhomme, MHA, RHIA

Lisa M. Delhomme is the program director of the health information management program at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. She teaches courses in privacy and security, data analytics, and database management. An active AHIMA volunteer, Lisa has served on the AHIMA Council for Excellence in Education and is a past president of the Louisiana Health Information Management Association. A frequent presenter at both state and national conferences, she brings deep expertise and passion to every role she takes on.

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

I was always interested in healthcare, but not hands-on patient care. I heard about HI from a friend, and it seemed to have everything I was looking for. Once I enrolled in the program, I knew I made the right choice. My passion lies in data analytics and patient privacy. As an educator, I'm committed to fostering strong patient advocates who help individuals understand and exercise their rights regarding their health information—an essential part of the HI profession.

Why did you decide to become an educator and author?

In my administrative role in healthcare, I often found myself teaching others about health information topics, and I really enjoyed it. That led me to pursue a position at UL Lafayette, which has been the most fulfilling part of my career. My passion lies in teaching, and there’s incredible satisfaction in watching future HI professionals grow and succeed.

Early in my teaching career, I contributed to a certification exam review guide and enjoyed the experience so much that it led to additional writing opportunities. When I was asked to collaborate on the seventh edition of Health Information Management: Concepts, Principles, and Practice, I was honored and immediately said yes. Working alongside Pam (Oachs), who had experience from previous editions, made it an even more rewarding project.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of your career and authorship?

Educating the next generation of HI professionals has been the most rewarding part of my career. It's incredibly meaningful to equip students not only with technical skills and knowledge, but also with the soft skills and ethical foundation needed to succeed in the field.

Working on the publication exceeded my expectations. Collaborating with respected HI professionals was a fantastic learning experience, and it greatly expanded my network. I really enjoyed connecting with so many new colleagues throughout the process.

What do you see in the future for the HI profession?

The core of health information management—supporting quality care, data integrity, privacy, and compliance—will remain. While rapid technological changes may shift traditional roles and require new skills, the demand for HI professionals will only continue to grow.

AHIMA membership matters to me because…

…it fosters a sense of community among healthcare professionals, provides opportunities for networking and sharing, and gives us a collective voice to advocate for our field.

Please share your thoughts on the following topics:

Challenges and opportunities in HI in 2025:

In 2025, HI professionals will continue to face challenges around cybersecurity, interoperability, and adapting to new technologies. But these same challenges present exciting opportunities to lead efforts in data privacy, use AI and machine learning for better analytics, and strengthen our role in digital healthcare.

Actions HI pros can take in 2025 to impact healthcare and patient care:

Continuing education is key. Stay informed through industry news, training sessions, and learning how to use tools already available in your workplace. Get involved in reviewing your organization’s privacy and security policies, and advocate for strong protections. Embracing lifelong learning and new workflows will help you stay relevant and effective.

What are your personal plans for 2025 to maximize your impact?

I'm focusing on strengthening my data analytics skills and exploring artificial intelligence. This will support both my professional growth and my ability to bring new ideas into the classroom.

Small steps HI pros can take to advance their careers, especially with AHIMA:

Stay curious. Take advantage of webinars, certifications, and industry publications. Get involved in your Component Association and attend events. Try out new tools and software. Volunteering for committees or projects builds your network and helps raise your visibility.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I’m deeply passionate about HI and HI education. Our work directly impacts patient care, privacy, and the efficiency of healthcare organizations. Our field is always evolving, and we need to evolve with it. Lifelong learning and strong professional connections can help every HI professional build a meaningful and successful career.