By: Gwynne Jelbaoui, Senior Program Manager HIMSS Clinical Informatics
I am happy to have the opportunity to spotlight Dr. Nelly Abulata in the September Physician Committee member spotlight. Dr. Abulata is in her first year on the HIMSS Physician Committee and is currently working on our first international webinar panel, they will be cover the healthcare’s race with AI. I am very excited to see the final product, which will air in October. Dr. Abulata has a diverse national and international background, and a broad spectrum in education, training and leadership. She is also a published author of several Journal articles that have pioneered in health research platforms. I look forward to working with her in the coming year.
Below are her thoughts in the HIT industry and what the future holds.
During your time as a HIMSS member how have industry connections and relationships helped you achieve your biggest professional milestones?
Dr. Abulata: Digital health education and training was not part of my medical curriculum and l had to learn on the job and learn from others.
COVID re-imaged the healthcare landscape, catalyzed digital transformation in healthcare and reshaped the new generation of healthcare practitioners. Soon, Digital Health expanded and digital dexterity among healthcare practitioners became one of the important skills needed in order to prosper. That’s when l became a HIMSS member in 2022.
Through my HMSS membership l was exposed to a wealth of information to keep abreast of the new trends in digital health in addition to training opportunities as well as diverse events.
My involvement with HIMSS then evolved further when l became a Member of the HIMSS Physician Committee in 2024. Through this role l was able to network with peers, learn from experts in digital health and engage with policy makers who help shape policies that promote the use of information and technology in healthcare.
At each stage of my career my connections played an important role. From my first job, to finding a mentor, to moving forward in my career, my network opened doors to great opportunities that contributed in shaping by future and so did my membership of HIMSS and through the HIMSS network.
Embracing a growth mindset, along with a commitment to upskilling, tracking industry trends, and gaining advanced certifications have been key in order for me to contribute to the enhancement of healthcare delivery and outcomes. Perusing the certification in Digital Health Transformational strategy CPDHTS from HIMSS is a now a new chapter in my continuous upskilling story…
What are the benefits of a health information and technology career? Why should someone consider it?
Dr. Abulata: HIT professionals are at the helm of an in-demand ship. HIT allows you to analyze trends and ensure aggregated health data is shared across the health system. By prioritizing health data, we’re helping to drive positive patient outcomes and experiences.
HIT is a career worth pursuing because:
- There is Growing Demand which is driven by factors such as the digitization of healthcare records, the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs), and the increasing focus on data-driven decision-making in healthcare. This means that there will never be a time when HIT professionals are not required.
- It opens diverse career opportunities across various sectors of the healthcare industry: data analysis, health informatics, project management, or systems implementation.
- The most compelling reason is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patient care.
What do you see as the future of health information and technology? Where do you think the industry can/will go?
Dr. Abulata: Thanks to the COVID pandemic words like “smart hospital” and “virtual hospital” have eased their way into our vocabulary.
In the future due to advances in AI and other emerging technologies the future of HIT is limitless. Allowing Healthcare and Medical Care to be more focused on preventive physical and mental health measures and it will no longer be concentrated only on the delivery of acute medical care.
As for digital health professionals, there is a growing demand for them which represents exciting opportunities for those equipped with the right skills. With the digital transformation taking place in healthcare, the need for experts who can navigate this digital landscape is increasing. No matter where you are in your career, investing in yourself and staying abreast of industry trends being proactive and adaptable to stay relevant will be key to thriving in the digital health field and make a positive impact on patient care and outcomes.
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