Susan Clark, BS, RHIT, CHTS-IM, CHTS-PW
Biography
Known as the “Health IT Rock Star,” Susan’s 25-year career has spanned from her beginnings at a clinic front desk to managed care operations, EHR implementation, privacy & security, health information management, health information exchange, Medicaid and public health technology, and federal & state policy and advocacy. In her current role she advocates, and creates programs, for the exchange of trusted secure information through the use of standards and accreditation. Susan has served as Indiana Health Information Management Association President, HIMSS Indiana Chapter Secretary, AHIMA Nominating Committee Member, and AHIMA Advocacy & Policy Council Chair.
Hear from Susan Clark
Position Statement Question
What makes you uniquely qualified to serve on the AHIMA Board of Directors?
If you have engaged with me at conferences or on social media, you may know me as #HealthITRockStar. I came to that branding by starting in music but landed myself at the front desk of a large multi-specialty clinic where I developed a passion for assuring that the patient's information was correctly assembled and available. This same quest continues to drive me today. However, instead of paper charts, I now focus on electronic data interoperability. I interact daily with executives from federal agencies, EHR vendors, health information exchanges, and more to drive innovation forward. I have worked across a wide spectrum of healthcare interactions including hospitals, clinics, payers, privacy, security, government, and HIE, passionately influencing policy and legislation to reduce burden and improve the workforce to be equipped to embrace new payment models and technology. Recognizing that members are from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, I know that I must first choose to listen. All voices not only matter, but when combined, make AHIMA stronger. I look forward to gaining perspectives and input from varied backgrounds, expertise, and geography. I have identified my personal values as uniqueness, initiative, and impact. These strengths will assist in bringing together coalitions for future innovations. We must continue to invest in the recruitment and development of students and new professionals to the workforce. I have spoken to many health information and informatics programs about my path and the endless possibilities for them. I will end with this quote from a student following a recent presentation I did for their program as a testimony of my passion and the inspiration that I can bring: "Her journey serves as a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning in driving positive change within the healthcare landscape.”