CHIME and Education 

by Angela Duncan Diop, ND, CHCIO, Vice President of Information Systems

“CHIME’s commitment to providing educational opportunities for its members has afforded me the greatest return.”

Over the last decade, CHIME has been a support for me through every aspect of navigating my career as an IT leader. Since joining CHIME, I have received invaluable advantages from being a member. Some of these advantages have manifested as opportunities to network with peers at the Forums and access to industry partners. Another great benefit from CHIME membership is the advocacy CHIME does on behalf of its members. But by far, CHIME’s commitment to providing educational opportunities for its members has afforded me the greatest return. 

“Resources were modest, but we had no less need for innovative technology for our patients and staff than larger budget health centers.”

Having chosen the information technology field, one of the things we all must have in common is the desire to be lifelong learners. However, where do you start? How do you keep current? Those were the questions I was asking myself back in 2011 when I was tasked with integrating the HIT and IT departments under the umbrella of Information Systems, thus launching my career as a CIO. I was at a Federally Qualified Health Center, Unity Health Care in Washington, DC. Resources were modest, but we had no less need for innovative technology for our patients and staff than larger budget health centers. 

I was piecemealing it together, until shortly thereafter, a colleague that I met in an IT strategy course introduced me to CHIME. I remember him saying, “Angela, have you heard of CHIME?  You should check them out.” I owe him a debt of gratitude to this day. I took his recommendation and joined CHIME. 

“The education I received at the Boot Camp gave me a foundational understanding and confidence in my role as a CIO.”

My very first CHIME activity was an educational one. As a newly minted CIO, I applied for and received a scholarship to one of CHIME’s Boot Camps. As part of CHIME’s commitment to education, it offers scholarships in order make education accessible to organizations and individuals who may not otherwise be able to attend. The education I received at the Boot Camp gave me a foundational understanding and confidence in my role as a CIO. In addition, I was able to connect with both colleagues and peers that were participating in the Boot Camp and the CHIME faculty who are industry leaders. Following the Boot Camp, I took the examination and successfully received my CHCIO credential. 

“Education is a central theme of all CHIME activities.”

That was only the beginning because education is a central theme of all CHIME activities. Over the years, I have learned that CHIME staff and members work tirelessly to provide education-rich activities through the offerings of forums, webinars, debriefs and even special task forces like the Opioid Task Force. 

If you are a CHIME member, reach out to your colleagues, do them a favor, and give them the tip that I got years ago. And, if you are a not a member yet, become one. It is one of the best professional decisions that I ever made.  

“…I choose CHIME as my partner.”

Lastly, yes, I am on a lifelong journey of learning and I choose CHIME as my partner in this journey. I want to congratulate CHIME on its 30-year anniversary and wish it many more years of success. 

Next week’s Theme is RELATIONSHIPS.  If you would like to participate in CHIME’s 30th Anniversary Celebration, submit your blog post, story, or article today! Email submissions to Katie at [email protected].