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HIMSS 2011 widens its career development aperture to encompass industry newcomers who are either transporting their intellectual capital from careers outside of healthcare or earning degrees to enter the health IT field.

One of HIMSS members’ most defining characteristics is their interest in education to grow their knowledge and advance their careers. Members often have a trajectory of advances in their careers and HIMSS endeavors to keep pace with their development. At this coming year’s annual conference, HIMSS will “kick it up a notch!” HIMSS 2011 widens its career development aperture to encompass industry newcomers who are either transporting their intellectual capital from careers outside of healthcare or earning degrees to enter the health IT field or to further their education. Indeed, there is something for everyone’s career at HIMSS 2011 –from newcomers to seasoned professionals.

Career Services Pavilion

By visiting the inaugural Career Services Pavilion in Hall E of the HIMSS 2011 Exhibition, you’ll find a mini World’s Fair of career development opportunities. The pavilion’s educational sessions, presented Monday through Wednesday (Feb. 21-23), will offer an array of career advice. Experienced health IT industry professionals will discuss career advancement, project management skills for healthcare, careers in clinical research, success factors for clinicians in different provider care settings, qualities of effective executive leaders and how to fund continuing education. HIMSS is currently finalizing these presentations on these topics and more. Additionally, the pavilion features kiosks for job seekers and recruiters, consulting firms and other organizations seeking talent. The Career Services Pavilion will also host a networking forum on Wednesday evening for emerging health IT professionals who are either new or have under five years of industry experience.

Career Development Sessions

Throughout conference, you can also attend sessions from the Career Development Track. Sessions of particular interest include Informatics Workforce Development: An Educational Model from an Non-Academic Perspective and A Project Manager's Guide to Integration Projects. Additionally, learn how to get a better job and achieve your career potential at the Monster Power HIT Career Planning Workshop on Tuesday, Feb. 22. You can also take advantage of some Pre-conference Workshops on Sunday, Feb. 20 geared to newcomers: Health IT 101: An Introduction to Healthcare and IT Enabling Technologies, Project Management Workshop: Achieving HITECH Stimulus Through Program Management and The Emerging Healthcare IT Leader: Strategies for the Next Level of Healthcare IT Leadership.

Kathleen Kimmel, RN, MHA, CPHIMS, FHIMSS, is vice president of nursing informatics at McKesson and was recently elected to the HIMSS Board of Directors for a three-year term beginning in July 2011.

Source: HIMSS