We Are HIMSS Member Spotlight: David Lafferty

At HIMSS, our members are the heart of our organization, made up of more than 100,000 individuals, 480 provider organizations, 470 non-profit partners and 650 health services organizations. Because their contributions are essential to our success, we seek to recognize their many accomplishments across title, worksite, region and career stage. Today and every day, we celebrate the essential endeavors of these health information and technology changemakers. #wearehimss

David Lafferty is a member of the HIMSS Professional Certification Board.

David Lafferty, CPHIMS, CH-CIO, ACHE
Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer
Tidewell Hospice

What does certification help you do?

Certification enables me to learn from peers in the industry in order to better utilize technology to ensure positive outcomes for our patients.

What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve encountered, and how did you overcome it?

A significant challenge for me was coming from a for-profit global manufacturing industry to a not-for-profit post-acute care provider. I had to quickly adapt and learn a great deal to transform my experience from running factories to helping patients. HIMSS enabled me to quickly build a network of healthcare professionals as well as get involved in global discussions around technology and patient care. It has been an incredible asset to my professional development and my current career choice.

What advice do you have for someone who is considering CAHIMS or CPHIMS certification?

Don't hesitate. Engage in the certification path early to ensure a course of successful learning, and leverage a network of like-minded healthcare professionals.