Meet Pamela K. Oachs, MA, RHIA, CHDA, FAHIMA

Pamela K. Oachs is an assistant professor and director of the health information management (HIM) undergraduate program in the College of St. Scholastica’s health informatics and information management department. She teaches courses in health information technology, U.S. healthcare systems, healthcare management, and clinical quality improvement. With over 15 years of healthcare experience, Pamela has held various managerial and professional roles in utilization management, quality improvement, credentialing, Joint Commission coordination, IT, project management, and patient access. She has also served on the boards of the Minnesota and Northeastern Minnesota HIM Associations, as a commissioner on the Commission on Certification for Health Informatics and Information Management, and as a peer reviewer for the Council on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management.

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

Like many, I wanted to work in healthcare but not in direct patient care. A friend mentioned the HIM program at St. Scholastica, and I gave it a try. I loved the classes and realized I also enjoyed working with technology, so I added a computer information systems minor. That combination gave me opportunities to work on HIM and IT projects in hospital and health system settings.

Why did you decide to become an educator and author?

While working in quality and compliance, I was asked to teach a clinical quality improvement course as an adjunct. I loved working with students and decided to pursue a master’s degree. Eventually, I moved into full-time education. Later, I had the opportunity to co-author a textbook chapter and found that I enjoyed the process. When asked to co-edit the fourth edition of the HIM textbook with Shirley Eichenwald Maki and Kathy LaTour, I was thrilled. Being an author and editor lets me revisit familiar areas of HIM, explore new ones, and contribute meaningful content to our profession.

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

In a word: sharing. Whether it’s helping professionals implement technology, supporting staff in their roles, or guiding students and young professionals, I find real joy in sharing what I’ve learned to help others succeed.

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

We will continue to be the experts in managing and safeguarding health information. As methods, regulations, and technologies evolve, our role in ensuring data integrity, privacy, and collaboration will only grow. We’ll help lead new initiatives and support transformative change in healthcare.

AHIMA membership matters to me because...

AHIMA understands the value of quality health information and helps promote the critical skills HI professionals bring to healthcare. 

Challenges and opportunities in HI in 2025:

AHIMA understands the value of quality health information and helps promote the critical skills HI professionals bring to healthcare. 

Suggested action HI pros can take in 2025 to have maximum impact:  

Stay engaged and informed. Learn about new regulations, technologies, and initiatives inside and outside your organization. Suggest improvements, listen to others, and stay open to change. Recognize your importance and continue learning. 

Actions I plan to take in 2025:

I plan to collaborate more outside my usual circles and comfort zones. I want to bring current challenges in HI back to my students and peers to keep learning relevant and real.

Steps HI pros can take to thrive in 2025:

Seek out learning opportunities—even those outside your current expertise. Take a class, earn a certificate, read journal articles, and connect with colleagues. Change can be tough, but it also brings new possibilities.

Small steps HI pros can take to advance their careers:

Get to know others in the field. Networking, whether through social events, conferences, webinars, or volunteering, helps grow your skills and your visibility. Participate in AHIMA and state association events and committees.

Anything else you’d like to share?

The HI field is full of valuable and interesting areas to explore. Find your passion—or a new one—and take time to learn and engage with it. The work can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.