Jude Soweh

What certification types have you received or are seeking to receive? If received, when did you receive certifications?

CCS

How has TxHIMA/AHIMA contributed to your success?

Providing study material for the CCS examination as well as valuable examination information.

Background Journey into HIM

I have been in the medical field for a whil³e though not practicing medicine as an MD in the United State. My greatest challenge was raising my kids in the United States. Thus, I engaged in teaching science in high school. Now that my children are grown, I find coding very interesting to lead me back into the medical. It is fulfilling to me and I hope that my education will help me progress faster.

Personal Tidbit

I love family. Have three children, two already in college and the last will be collecting high school next year. Exercise daily lifting weights.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I love the fact that I am not straining too much in the coding field, because of my background knowledge in medicine. I wish to leave the teaching field an be fully engage in coding after my certification.

Joy Oyibo

What certification types have you received or are seeking to receive? If received, when did you receive certifications?

Certified billing and coding specialist/June 2021.

How has TxHIMA/AHIMA contributed to your success?

I am currently a student of health information management(associates) at Collin college McKinney. I believe being a member of TXHIMA/AHIMA will be very beneficial to my journey and career.

Background Journey into HIM

For a long time I struggled with making a career choice. Initially, I thought nursing and actually took the prequisite courses for nursing but I still doubted myself. So, during the pandemic/lockdown I decided to explore other career options, I did my research on a few and Health Information Management stood out, it felt so relatable and I could see myself exceling in the career. So last year I decided to take a certification in billing and coding and that was it. By Fall 2021, I had applied to Collin college for the associate program, and I am already looking to transfer to a four year university for a Bachelors of Applied Art and Science in Health Information Management, and I am very excited about the journey ahead.

Personal Tidbit

I love the outdoors. I love to take family trips, try new food, and learn about new cultures. I also enjoy baking a lot even if I am not that great at it.

Billee Cook

Student

What certification types have you received or are seeking to receive? If received, when did you receive certifications?

CHAA 2017. CRCR 2019. Currently seeking HIT Analysis certificate.

How has TxHIMA/AHIMA contributed to your success?

CHAA allowed for quick hire into patient registration roles. CRCR demonstrated my knowledge in revenue cycle work flow training, which led to Management position.

Background Journey into HIM

Previously working as a Healthcare Trainer and Patient Access, I reviewed patient registration records that had incomplete demographics, no consent signatures and privacy breeches. I wanted to be involved in securing privacy, confidentiality, and the integrity of records.

Personal Tidbit

I love roller derby skating.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoyed analyzing health records, and authorizations.

---

Adrian Stevens

Express Professionals (A&M-Commerce Marketing and Communications)

What certification types have you received or are seeking to receive? If received, when did you receive certifications?

I am working on the CCA, then, CTR

How has TxHIMA/AHIMA contributed to your success?

TxHIMA/AHIMA has kept me updated on changes in our field during this time of change.

Background Journey into HIM

I earned my MLS in Library & Information Science in 1993, then, ended up as an educator focusing on information, technology and reading education. After 22+ years and a relocation to DFW for my husband's career, the timing and opportunities were right to make the career change. I am currently a web content specialist and Collin College student.

Personal Tidbit

I love spending time with my husband and our pet, a 9 1/2-year-old Chipin. Also, I listen to audiobooks which allows me to do other activities like fold clothes.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Because I work and take classes virtually/from home, I have the flexibility to be available for life in general like taking our dog for a ride or running an errand for my husband who also works remotely.

Jefferson Howe

CHRISTUS Health

What certification types have you received or are seeking to receive? If received, when did you receive certifications?

RHIA since 2012.

How has TxHIMA/AHIMA contributed to your success?

Lifelong learning, mentorship, networking and professional development through best practice approaches and annual educational obligations. TxHIMA and AHIMA set the benchmark standards for our evolving industry and model standards of professional practice in HIM.

Background Journey into HIM

37 years in Medical Records and Health Information Management beginning as a Medical Transcriptionist in 1984, then a certified medical transcriptionist and president of AAMT (now AHDI); BS in Management followed by MS in Administration and Post Baccalaureate Certification in HIM leading to RHIA.

Personal Tidbit

I met my future wife on my first day working in Medical Records! Together, we've traveled regularly to national conventions and visited cities and met lifelong friends and colleagues I never would have seen or met if not for AHIMA and other HIM associations.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy working with like people who have a passion for the accuracy and integrity of the legal medical record that contributes to the advancement of healthcare and improved patient outcomes. The complexity and variety of work situations keeps me continually energized to want to improve and optimize performance in health information management.

Asong Folefac

What certification types have you received or are seeking to receive? If received, when did you receive certifications?

Have received CRCR and presently preparing for RHIA.

Background Journey into HIM

Have extensive experience in customer relations and IT, supporting clients applications, providing clinical support to clinicians and care to patients and families. Working in this domain gave me a sense of wanting to do more to better serve my patients and those in need, and to contribute in any way possible to improve the ways in which, the delivery of care serves the interest of the patients and/or families and not the interest of the provider per se. It was at this juncture that I decided to pursue a care in HIM, where I could better utilize my knowledge of information technology, to provide clinicians with well informed analysis of patient health related data, to make quality and informed decisions about the patients health and deliver safe and quality care to the patient.

Personal Tidbit

I enjoy spending time with family, organizing and participating in sporting events with friends.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy serving the interest of people in need, team and/or co-workers.

Julissa Avila

The Center for Health Care Services

What certification types have you received or are seeking to receive? If received, when did you receive certifications?

Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) - AHIMA
Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist (CEHRS) - NHA
Seeking: RHIA - AHIMA

How has TxHIMA/AHIMA contributed to your success?

I currently serve in my local association of Alamo Area HIMA as President for a three year term. We provide health information professionals with continuing education sessions and updates. I also volunteer on the Corporate Relations Committee for TxHIMA and as a mentor. I continue to promote AHIMA certification with individuals in the field and I was selected as an AHIMA Merit Scholarship recipient. The health information field continues to develop my skills as a subject matter expert where I deliver presentations and share my HI knowledge.

Background Journey into HIM

I started volunteering early in my health information profession, when I began my HIT associates program at St. Philips College, which led to many great networking opportunities. My first job was as a medical records clerk and this was the foundation that led to other HIM roles including my current supervisory role. I am one to volunteer, learn other HIM positions, share my knowledge and be positive about cross training as this has guided me to continuous promotions. I have continued to volunteer within my local organization of Alamo HIMA, then I graduated from St. Philips College with my HIT associates and continued my studies with Texas State University. A few other great accomplishments are obtaining my RHIT with AHIMA and becoming certified in Electronic Health Records. A great recognition was receiving the Texas HIMA Rising Star Award. All of these accomplishments have led me to reach my current role and I still have more climbing to do. I am one voice of many to continue providing patient health information support.

Personal Tidbit

I have recently reached a couple of my goals by purchasing my first home and graduating from Texas State University with my Bachelors in Health Information Management. I also love to travel and enjoy family time. I am also a Child Advocate of San Antonio (CASA) volunteer where I provide advocacy and support of services for children.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I am currently a Health Information Management Supervisor for The Center for Health Care Services. CHCS is committed to changing lives, restoring families and producing healthier communities’ one person at a time. My enjoyment comes my experience and knowledge in the HIM field has a positive impact on the people within my community.

Devon Whatley

Kelsey-Seybold Clinic

What certification types have you received or are seeking to receive? If received, when did you receive certifications?

I have received my CCS (2021) and CPC-A (2020).

How has TxHIMA/AHIMA contributed to your success?

Being a member of AHIMA has provided valuable information to better my knowledge of the HIM community.

Background Journey into HIM

I began my journey into HIM in 2019, when I decided to change careers from local government to medical coding. I did my research and chose The Andrews School for my coding education. The knowledge and guidance I received from the team at Andrews was top notch. You are provided such a practical knowledge of HOW to code from scratch, as well as A&P, pharmacology and more. This knowledge base allowed me to sit for and pass my CPC and CCS exams. I was "lucky" enough to be a part of the 2020 beta group for my CCS. I sat for my exam on September 1 and receive my scores in January 2021. In that time I was fortunate to be offered a position as an HCC Coding and Quality Assurance Assistant with Kelsey-Seybold Clinic, in their KelseyCares Advantage program. I work with a wonderful team, who are a great reflection of the amazing community that is Kelsey-Seybold. I am only a few months into my HIM career, but already love it! I learn something new every day and continue to build on my knowledge. I love how there are endless possibilities for growth in the HIM field. I look forward to many more years of growing in HIM.

Personal Tidbit

I am a mom of two daughters (7 and 4) and the wife of an educator. My oldest daughter has Down syndrome, which is part of what attracted me to HIM. I have spent most of her life studying Down syndrome and how it impacts the whole person and how functional medicine and the right providers make all the difference in the growth and happiness of your child. When not chasing two kiddos, I enjoy exercise. I believe physical health directly impacts mental health and both are important to be successful in life.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

What I enjoy most about my job is the ability to work within several specialties and learn (from an HCC perspective) how diagnoses impact each other and the total picture of the patient. I would not be able to enjoy my job without the terrific teaching and support of my supervisor and manager. They do a great job leading our team and helping us grow.

Anderson Anthony

Rowjac Consulting

What certification types have you received or are seeking to receive? If received, when did you receive certifications?

Currently possess: Professional Scrum Master (PSM 1) 2020, ICAgile certified professional (ICP) 2020
Seeking to receive: RHIA, CPHQ, IAPP

How has TxHIMA/AHIMA contributed to your success?

At this point, because I'm a student I haven't benefitted from the professional services. However, the AHIMA website helped me discover my career path within HIM.

Background Journey into HIM

I worked in education for about 10 years. About 4 years ago I decided to transition into tech. I studied SQL and data analytics and eventually landed a job at a tech company doing linguistic data analysis, a combination of my degree and newly acquired skills. After this, I was offered an opportunity at another company. At this company, I learned business analytics, Agile methodology, and the Scrum framework. I went on to get certified in Agile and Scrum. I thought I'd continue a career in analytics but found the scope of the field too vast and wanted to find a specific niche. After much research, I discovered that HIM would allow me to utilize my analytics skills and knowledge, and well as my knowledge of process management, quality metrics, and improvement from my Agile training. This is what lead me to AHIMA and subsequently TxHIMA.

Personal Tidbit

I'm also an urban gardener. I use innovative tools and tech to grow vegetables in my garage.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I also enjoy extracting and analyzing metrics from policy audits. A bit dry, but it's what I enjoy.

---

Adrian Stevens

Express Employment Professionals (A&M-Commerce MarComm)

What certification types have you received or are seeking to receive? If received, when did you receive certifications?

CCS
CTR

How has TxHIMA/AHIMA contributed to your success?

I am new. So far, I have found that AHIMA has the courses to prepare me for the Cancer Tumor Registrar exam...How awesome!

Background Journey into HIM

From Library & Information Specialist graduate to School Teacher Librarian to School Library Technology Specialist to Regional Early Literacy Specialist to Web Content Specialist. Still Web Content Specialist add Medical Coding & Billing Student

Personal Tidbit

I am devoted to my husband and our pet chipin.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy the flexibility of my schedule and the writing and researching in my current job as a web content specialist.

---

Melissa Cassell

Quest Diagnostics

What certification types have you received or are seeking to receive? If received, when did you receive certifications?

I'm currently in school completing my degree in Healthcare Informatics with DCCCD

How has TxHIMA/AHIMA contributed to your success?

TxAHIMA/AHIMA will give me the insights and the ability to get registered and I look forward to conferences, a new journey, and a brand new career in which I'm extremely grateful.

Background Journey into HIM

I've been studying and doing so research on how I can take my health field knowledge, experiences, and skills to the next level.

Personal Tidbit

I enjoy being a grandmother of 6, sewing, reading, going to a Jazz or Gospel concert, and cooking, and I love my Green Bay Packers (Football)

What do you enjoy most about your job?

In my current job, I have some reservations and I'm bored. One thing I can say is working with patients is truly a blessing.

Autumn Holland

Student

What certification types have you received or are seeking to receive? If received, when did you receive certifications?

I am seeking to receive my RHIA this year after I graduate in May with a Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management. I also plan to earn the CHES credential after I complete my Master of Science in Public Health Education and Promotion in 2023.

How has TxHIMA/AHIMA contributed to your career?

AHIMA has greatly contributed to my career by providing my scholarship, credential, and networking opportunities. Their resources and articles have also enhanced my education regarding HIM and I love being a part of the organization!

Background Journey into HIM

I suppose the very beginning of my HIM journey was in about 2019 when I started the HIM program at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. The program has been thorough and awesome to experience when it comes to understanding what HIM is and how to be an HIM professional. I recently completed my first HIM internship to get my foot in the door for more HIM jobs. I knew HIM was for me when I realized I wanted to help patients in a non-clinical fashion with their healthcare and the quality of it.

Personal Tidbit

This year, I have been inducted into two honor societies I am proud to be a part of! The first society is the Alpha Eta Society which is a national honor society for the allied health professions and Alpha Chi which is a national college honor society.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Although I don't have a job currently, I love helping others learn and cannot wait to start my job in August 2021 as a Graduate Instructional Assistant (GIA) for undergraduate students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Public Health Education and Promotion.

---

Sylvia Alcala

Connally Memorial Medical Center

What certification types have you received or are seeking to receive? If received, when did you receive certifications?

RHIA 2011
CDIP 2011
CCS 2001
CPC 2010
CPC-I 2012

How has TxHIMA/AHIMA contributed to your career?

Giving back to my profession by volunteering at all levels. I have been able to share my knowledge by presenting topics of information to the members. I have also volunteered for TxHIMA educational committee where I meet very interesting and skill set members from various locations.

Background Journey into HIM

My journey began in HIM as a graduate from high school as a clerk in an HIM department. Where I worked my way through various position and finally where my passion led me to be a HIM Director.

Personal Tidbit

I am an avid reader of both fiction, non-fiction books and periodicals. I am also a volunteer my services for our home association in my neighborhood. I have also volunteered the last five years in the Alamo Health Information Association and TxHIMA.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Everyday there is something new. The HIM field is changing constantly so there is never a dull moment. I work in a small facility so we all wear different hats and mine consist of policy creation, security issues, addressing denials, updating charge master, HIPAA and coding.

---

Adrienne Wilson

Unemployed

What certification types have you received or are seeking to receive? If received, when did you receive certifications?

RHIT - 2016
RHIA - In progress

How has TxHIMA/AHIMA contributed to your career?

I am new to the Houston area from Southern California and looking to network and meet people as well as looking for employment.

Background Journey into HIM

I began my HIM journey in 2002 as an Administrative Secretary for an HIM Director in Laurel, MD. I then moved to California and was hired as a Data Intake Clerk in 2006. I was promoted to Document Imaging Clerk in 2010 within the same organization. In 2013 I was promoted to Data Integrity Specialist. I was one of the two associates selected to start our first data integrity team, which is when I began my HIT program at DeVry University. I graduated in June of 2016 and passed my RHIT exam that September. I spent 14 years with that organization until my family and I decided to move to Pearland, TX this past December. I have a passion for providing training and education about the vital role HIM plays in healthcare with a specialty in Data Integrity.

Personal Tidbit

I am married to an amazing and supportive husband and we have two adorable little girls who are 8 and 6. We are excited about our new adventure in Texas and I can't wait to get back to work now that we are all settled.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy providing training and education on the importance of data integrity within healthcare.

---

Lakeysha Moore

Parkland Hospital & Health System

What certification types have you received or are seeking to receive? If received, when did you receive certifications?

RHIA 2002
MBA 2007

How has TxHIMA/AHIMA contributed to your success?

Both TXHIMA and AHIMA has been instrumental in my career growth and development by providing exceptional resources, educational materials and wonderful mentors over the years. The conferences and workshops are always very informative and innovative ensuring members are aware of what is going on and coming up in our industry.

Background Journey into HIM

I started working in HIM in 1998 while pursuing my degree. Knowing that I wanted to be an HIM Director one day, I wanted to work and understand all areas if HIM. So I went from a file clerk to transcription clerk then eventually pursued coding before becoming an HIM Supervisor. After graduating from Eastern Kentucky University, I was able to grow as a leader in HIM and ultimately accomplish my goal of being an HIM Director.

Personal Tidbit

Many that know me, are not aware that right after high school, I did not go to college. I actually went to Cosmetology school and was a Stylist for several years prior to stating my journey to HIM.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The most enjoyable part of my job is helping individuals grow and develop. The people I work with and have encountered over the years have truly been an inspiration by helping me stay centered and focused on what is important.

Beatrice Avila, RHIA

St. Philips College

What certification types have you received or are seeking to receive? If received, when did you receive certifications?

AHIMA, RHIT
AHIMA, CCS-P
AHIMA, RHIA
Masters, Career Technical Education
Bachelors, Health Information Management
Associates, Health Information Technology
Certificate, Coding Specialist/Medical Records/Paralegal

How has TxHIMA/AHIMA contributed to your success?

My success started with networking and volunteering within the local- Alamo Area HIMA, state-Texas HIMA and national AHIMA associations. Sharing my ideas, knowledge and experiences has led me on my current journey today. Awesome opportunities occur when attending in person and virtual conventions with Texas HIMA and AHIMA. I was given the opportunity to serve on several volunteer committees for AHIMA, elected to the Board of Directors for Texas HIMA where I serve as the Chair of the Education Committee and previously elected for the Presidential role for Alamo Area HIMA. I continue today to be a speaker and mentor to the healthcare community.

Background Journey into HIM

I am the Program Director and Assistant Professor for the Health Information Technology Program at St. Philips College in San Antonio, Texas. I have over 25 years in the healthcare field, academic institutions and an advocate of promoting certifications. Prior positions include having served in a management role in HIM Operations and Coding & Reimbursement within a multi-clinic and facility setting for the largest group of specialist in South and Central Texas.

Personal Tidbit

I enjoy serving and volunteering within my community. I am a volunteer for Child Advocate San Antonio (CASA). Received the Lamp of Learning which acknowledges academic excellence in exceeding national certification pass rates. I am also a textbook reviewer for healthcare and educational publishers who also serves as a subject matter expert. My motto is “Giving back to the profession and the community.”

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy promoting and advocating for the profession of Health Information Technology. I love teaching students as they are the future for tomorrow. My campus, St. Philip’s College, Health Information Technology Program has earned top ranking, was listed as 25th in the nation and named ‘Best in the South” amongst thousands of public institutions. I am a hands on director who utilizes the teamwork approach. I enjoy how health information technology continues to emerge and adapt to help patients.

Patricia Lamson

St. Philips College

What certification types have you received or are seeking to receive? If received, when did you receive certifications?

RHIT- 2013
BSHIM-Healthcare Management.

How has TxHIMA/AHIMA contributed to your success?

I have had the honor to present at TXHIMA and have attended many conferences. TXHIMA has presented great information that has helped me in my teaching career. It has also given us great ideas for our local chapter, Alamo area HIMA for speakers, and engagement with members. I will continue to support my state component by volunteering on committees. Also, when I was a student I was awarded the Evelyn Cockrell Scholarship and well as Alamo Area HIMA scholarship.

Background Journey into HIM

This has become my second profession which I totally enjoy. I have had the opportunity to work in several different areas of HIM, such as ROI, Coding, Birth Registry, Index, and imaging. etc. I am proud to be apart of my local, state, and national AHIMA associations.

Personal Tidbit

I love to learn new hobbies. I am a painter and my medium is pastel. I have been doing this for a while. I have also just taught myself, rock painting, and paper quilling.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I love my students, they make my career a joy. I get to share with them all the wonderful things I have learned while in the HIT/HIM field. I am constantly looking for ways to engage my students and get them involved in our AHIMA organization.

---

Patricia Pierson

Collin College

What certification types have you received or are seeking to receive? If received, when did you receive certifications?

RHIA

How has TxHIMA/AHIMA contributed to your success?

Can't even begin to tell you how important TXHIMA has been to my career. I heard about a teaching opportunity at one of the local HIM workshops years ago and started by teaching one terminology class. I then transitioned into education full time. I have also filled open jobs from meeting HIM professionals at workshops and meetings. The workshops are a great way to network, keep up to date on issues, and find out about job opportunities. I have met so many great colleagues that I can contact when needed and look to for guidance. It is great to connect with so many professionals from all over the state and learn what is going on in different areas. TxHIMA is the bridge that connect us!

Background Journey into HIM

Was looking for a career in healthcare but not necessarily direct patient care.

Personal Tidbit

I was nominated by faculty and students and was honored to receive a Mentor Award a few years ago through AHIMA.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I really enjoy the interaction with students that will be future HIM Professionals. So great to see how Collin Graduates are doing in the profession and how they are now active with TxHIMA and AHIMA.

Carla Tyson-Howard

Houston Community College

What certification types have you received or are seeking to receive? If received, when did you receive certifications?

EdD, MHA, RHIA

How has TxHIMA/AHIMA contributed to your success?

AHIMA is the doorkeeper of our profession. Through AHIMA we are given the opportunity to demonstrate our unique knowledge and skills to the health care community. It is having the AHIMA certified credentials that sets us apart as being the experts in Health Information. TxHIMA and AHIMA provide us continuing educational opportunities that no other organization is qualified to do. Being a professional in the field of Health Information Management means to support the professional associations that uphold us.

Background Journey into HIM

I graduated from Incarnate Word University in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Information Management. My first job was in Austin with the Texas State Health Department where I was a Cancer Data Management trainer. On a business trip to Houston, working at the VAMC, the Assistant Director of MIS, Linda Johnson-Overall, offered me a position which I eagerly accepted. Through Linda I met Tella Johnson-Williams who offered me a position with Harris Health System which I later accepted. Afterwards I worked for Linda Johnson-Overall again with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. While Tella Johnson-Williams served as Program Director of Health Information Technology for Houston Community College, I worked for her as an adjunct professor. I fell in love with teaching and decided to continue working with the college as the Program Director for the Health Information Technology Program. To enhance my leadership skills, I moved forward to obtain my Masters in Healthcare Administration and Doctorate in Higher Education.

Personal Tidbit

Due to my love for my students, our family owned business (Mr. Jones Bail Bonds) has established a scholarship for Health Information Technology students at Houston Community College. Each year, the scholarship provides two students with $500 towards their educational achievements.

---

Twanna Wiloth

WNJ Regional Medical Center

What certification types have you received or are seeking to receive? If received, when did you receive certifications?

RHIT 2006
CDI Certification

How has TxHIMA/AHIMA contributed to your success?

It has provided me with information that I was unable to find anywhere else. The weekly articles are very helpful and up to date.

Background Journey into HIM

I did not start my journey in HIM until my latter years. Both of my children were in high school. My daughter graduated high school the same year as me. I feel you are never to old to make positive changes in your life.

Personal Tidbit

When I am off work my favorite place to be is the pig pen. My brothers and cousins grew up at the pig pen working toward that next grand champion and learning a lot at the same time.

Currently I have great nieces and nephews that are showing and next year my granddaughter will be able to start. I am a huge supporter of 4-H and FFA it give our youth good moral values and teaches reasonability.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The everyday changing environment. And that the HIM world is an open book. I love working with different departments such as Revenue Cycle, Case Management, CDI, and the physicians working together as one team.

Jennifer Cooper RHIA

Organization
Hunt Regional Healthcare

What certification types have you received or are seeking to receive? If received, when did you receive certifications?
RHIA, 2011
CCS, 2013
CDIP, 2014
Master’s in Health Informatics and Information Management, 2015
Would like to pursue the CHDA

How has TxHIMA/AHIMA contributed to your success?
I wouldn't know about this profession if it weren't for AHIMA. While in my undergrad for Health Information Administration, a lot of the content that we learned, if not all, came from AHIMA. We were required to be student members of AHIMA which led to having access to the Body of Knowledge and the Journal of AHIMA. I looked forward to that publication every month, and still do! I even took the opportunity to attend the AHIMA Convention in 2009 when it was at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine. When I moved to Texas and TxHIMA became my CSA, I had the opportunity to attend the TxHIMA Convention in 2011. Attending this convention and in subsequent years has help me to maintain my CEUs, network with other HIM professionals, and meet the vendor community that serves as a resource to the HIM profession. I have reached out to many of those vendors in my career as needs come up. While I have not directly been involved with TxHIMA Committees, I recently finished my term as Secretary for DFW-HIMA which was a fantastic experience.

Background Journey into HIM
I actually started as a file clerk when I was a senior in high school (2003). I was just looking for an after-school job. Once I graduated and took some time to decided what I wanted to do I had determined I wanted to go into Spanish Education. I still needed a job while attending school, so I relocated to another facility closer to school and continued working in a HIM department as a prepper/scanner right as the facility was implementing their new scanning system. I continued to progress in the department and my manager really encouraged me to pursue this as a profession. Once I made the change in my degree, I never looked back at the Spanish education plan! I graduated with my bachelor's in 2010 from Indiana, moved to Texas, and started working as a Coder. I continued into CDI, then a manager for coding and CDI, and now Director for HIM. In between the job changes I also completed my master's in Health Informatics and Information Management. Education is important to me and I enjoy continually learning.

Personal Tidbit
I have a young family, so hobbies are limited. I actually don't mind house chores and I quite honestly love to organize my home - everything has a place and everything in its place makes a happy mom!

What do you enjoy most about your job?
Serving as a HIM Director, I enjoy the diversity of the functions that my department represents. I can get involved in the traditional chart processing tasks, see what's going on in Release of Information, and still get my hands into coding and CDI. I enjoy planning the future of the department in conjunction with the facility's vision and mission. I really enjoy data and analytics and I'm hoping to become more knowledgeable in that area so that I can help provide meaningful information to my facility.

Corrine C. Byrd, RHIA

Organization
MD Anderson Cancer Center

What certification types have you received or are seeking to receive? If received, when did you receive certifications?
RHIA March 2020 -eligible to sit for exam had RHIT and also a Bachelor’s Degree.
LEAD Group Coaching Program- Leadership Development – 40 Hrs. Certificate – April 2019
Clinical Safety and Effectiveness Project Improvement Course 7-month program – Certificate of Completion- August 2018

How has TxHIMA/AHIMA contributed to your success?
TxHIMA/AHIMA has contributed to my career through the various educational webinars, annual meetings and articles published in the monthly journals.

Having the opportunity to serve as board member with TxHIMA in the role of Chair of the Committee it improve members relations.

Background Journey into HIM
Corrine C. Byrd is currently the HIM Operations Manager of the Clinical Documentation Program at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Prior to her position at MD Anderson she held multiple Management positions with Harris Health System. In addition, she has over 25 years of experience working in various areas of healthcare. She has been an Adjunct Teacher of Health Information Technology for Houston Community College (HCC), teaching Coding, Medical Terminology and Anatomy and Physiology and medical office procedures.

Personal Tidbit
Corrine enjoys working as the Director of Christian Education with her church, The Genesis Church, Houston, Texas. In her role she helps implement continues bible education for the children and youth including arts and crafts and other enrichment activities. She also, enjoys reading history books and stay fit through running 3 - 5 miles per day.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy the ability to exploring ways healthcare technology can be used to improve documentation. Working in collaboration with coding, providers and other stake holders reviewing and using data, working through continuous process improvements.