Austin June HIMSS President's Message

Hello chapter members,

The Austin HIMSS Board met recently and we completed the transition to a new Board, effective July 1st. I'm very pleased with the volunteers who decided to continue their service on the Board as well as new Board members.

Volunteering is a great habit to get into. Time is our most valuable resource, so donate your time if you are able. If not time, donate money if you are able. If not time or money, encourage and support others to contribute to a cause. Try to find a way to support others so they can volunteer (i.e. help with work, pets, kids, etc). I guarantee you will get back more than you contribute.

Highlighting successes this year, three of our members have advanced to HIMSS Fellow which recognizes long-term contributions to the society:

Jeff Nordyke
Don Ellis

Emma Cartmell - Emma was also honored with the John A. Gage Outstanding Service Award in addition to being elected to the National HIMSS Board.

This year we've grown the chapter by 20%, increasing by 132 members to over 700 currently. A simple way to volunteer is to promote the chapter by bringing a friend or colleague to one of our events.

Austin HIMSS 2017-18 Board

President: Kristin Norton
Past President: Doug Burkott
President Elect & Advocacy: Elsie Gori
Treasurer: Jeff Nordyke
Sponsorship Chair: Shannon Vogel

Communications Chair: Amy Hiemstra
Secretary: Colin Thom*
Membership Chair: Ray Wolf*
Programs Chair: Doug Caldwell*
Social Chair: Rob Nussbaum*

*new to Austin HIMSS Board

I look forward to seeing some of you at our Thursday June 22nd event at the Dell Medical School featuring Karen DeSalvo, MD former Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT and former Assistant Secretary for Health and Human Services. She will be joined by Steve Steffensen, MD Chief, Learning Health System for The Dell Medical School. The discussion will be from 4-5 followed by a social from 5-7. Details and RSVP can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/austin-himss-special-event-interoperability-policy-and-practice-tickets-34781945736

Have a great summer everyone!

All the best,

-Doug Burkott, FHIMSS
President, Austin HIMSS Chapter