We Are HIMSS Member Spotlight: Robb Stillman

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

Robb Stillman is the chair of the HIMSS Professional Certification Board.

Robb Stillman, MA, RN, CPHIMS, SHIMSS
Director, Clinical & Research Informatics
The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute

What does certification help you do?

Certification demonstrates to colleagues within my organization and the healthcare community, that I have a commitment to professionalism, career growth, and development of my health information technology expertise. My CPHIMS credential lends credibility to the knowledge and experience I have gained in my field over 25 years in healthcare.

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

Go for it. You cannot become certified if you do not try. Your experience matters and certification demonstrates that you have what it takes to be a credentialed health IT professional. It also demonstrates commitment to your chosen professional specialty. Seek out a credentialed mentor to gain insight into their experience.

What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve encountered? How did you overcome it?

I am a registered nurse by background. Learning concepts and principles of clinical and research informatics has been a huge challenge. I credit overcoming this challenge to tapping into others' expertise and the understanding that one person cannot know everything. Learning and listening have helped me overcome my challenges.

Who or what inspires you?

My wife is my inspiration. She is a nurse who decided later in her career to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse practitioner. Her dedication to our family and her education is awe-inspiring.  Everything she does inspires my kids and me to be better at work, better at school, and better at being good people.