It is a privilege to be Interim CEO of HIMAA and I thank everyone for their congratulatory remarks and support as I join HIMAA in this important role and time in the profession’s history to keep the momentum of the Association going during the CEO transition.
For those of you who I have not met or are unfamiliar with my history, I have been part of this wonderful profession since 1990 when I started studying health information management at the Queensland University of Technology. My career has included roles in the public and private sector, in Brisbane and Auckland, focused on all aspects of the health information management domain and more broadly into non-health information management and governance. For almost 20 years I have worked at the Mater in Queensland, being part of many organisational, technology and information management changes as Director Information Management and part of the Digital Technology and Information Division leadership team.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been my involvement in HIMAA – as ‘my’ professional association; the ability to work alongside fellow health information management professionals to meet the needs of the profession by serving on the HIMAA Board and Committees; and in turn, its contribution to the formation of me as a leader.
During the next few months the Board has asked me to help them shape the priorities for HIMAA for the short and medium term in the continued journey of ensuring health information management is seen as a valued and valuable health profession, and in promoting and supporting you, our members, as the universally recognised specialists in information management at all levels of the healthcare system.
I invite you to contact me on ceo@himaa.org.au if I can be of any assistance or if you have ideas to contribute.
For your benefit and on your behalf, the HIMAA team and branches are organising a number of great upcoming events for you to continue to advance your knowledge and expertise, and network and learn from like-minded professionals. Make sure you have registered for the following and they are in your calendar!
Joint IFHIMA Congress / HIMAA National Conference – unlike previous conferences, this year you will get the opportunity to hear from international leaders in health information management and network and learn from delegates from a number of countries. In addition, there are important changes occurring within the national health information management landscape. This is a not-to-be missed event that I am confident you will personally and professionally benefit from. Early bird closes on the 29th July so register today.
2023 National HIM Week 21-25 August – the point of HIM week is for you to promote what you do to those you work with, within your organisation, and to key stakeholders. Health information management professionals are highly valued and play an important role in Australia’s healthcare system. Be bold and be proud this year during HIM week! Plan ahead and consider how you can promote your expertise. Resources to assist you are on the HIMAA HIM Week website – downloadable posters, email signatures and social banners. Promotional packs and letters of support are coming out to those who have requested them. Post on social media, tag #HIMAA and let’s promote and celebrate our awesome profession together!
During HIM week three webinars, all free to members, are being run. Register today!
HIM Week Webinar 25: Meet the HIMAA Board of Directors and Get to Know HIMAA (Members ONLY Event)
22nd August 12:30-1:30pm AEST
This webinar will also include an update on the proposed HIMAA membership changes presented at last year’s AGM.
HIM Week Webinar 26: Failproof interview strategies to ingrain the perfect first impression and win that dream job
23rd August 12:30-1:30pm AEST
HIM Week Webinar 27: Panel Profiling Careers in Health Information Management (Information coming soon)
24th August 12:30-1:30pm AEST
What an exciting time to be part of the health information management profession! I look forward to meeting with many of you over the coming months.
Sallyanne Wissmann
Interim Chief Executive Officer
ceo@himaa.org.au