--Conference Facilitates Discussion on Critical Issues in Health + Tech in the Mid-Atlantic —

(Baltimore, MD) --  The Maryland Chapter of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (MDHIMSS), a leading chapter of the Global HIMSS organization, announced the proclamation of Maryland Health IT Day.  Members play an active role in improving the future of health and the role of information and management systems in Maryland healthcare. The organization welcomed hundreds of healthcare professionals across the industry to Turf Valley Resort for its 11th annual Golf Tournament and Inaugural Two-Day Conference, a dynamic forum where industry experience, knowledge, and wisdom were shared, on Monday, May 22, and Tuesday, May 23.

The state is facing a shortage of healthcare workers at a rate that is climbing and is already unsustainable, short by 5,000 full-time registered nurses, and 4,000 licensed practical nurses as of the 2022 State of Maryland’s Health Care Workforce Report1. The Maryland HIMSS conference addressed topics such as managing burnout, retention strategies, and leveraging AI to stem the workforce crisis.  With healthcare leaders from across the state in attendance, the discussions encompassed improving care through innovations in data analytics, ambient technologies, cyber risks and priorities, and consumer engagement.

“We were thrilled to welcome our members, sponsors, vendors, political supporters, and friends back in person for our productive and successful Inaugural Two-Day Conference. Our first in-person since the pandemic began. It was the perfect opportunity to gather technology thought leaders and our incredible Maryland healthcare technologists together to socialize, golf, and discuss the many challenges faced and innovative solutions developed to address today’s healthcare requirements,” said Jennifer Moore, incoming President, of Maryland HIMSS Chapter. “Challenges like cyber security and workforce shortages have put undeniable stress on our healthcare systems, and we heard from experts on how they are meeting these challenges head-on and using innovations like Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Care models, and digital front door for patients.”

Registrants attended presentations and panel discussions in one of two tracks: Tackling Workforce Strategy or Embracing Technology and Innovation. Speakers represented some of the region’s largest healthcare systems including Johns Hopkins Healthcare, Kaiser Permanente, Frederick Health, MedStar Health, University of Maryland Medical System, LifeBridge Health, and Penn Medicine, as well as healthcare organizations such as CRISP Shared Services, Microsoft, Maryland Health Care Commission, and Maryland Community Health System.

Delegate Pamela Lanman Guzzone, member of the Health and Government Operations Committee, presented MDHIMSS with a proclamation celebrating May 23, 2023, as Maryland Health IT Day, and presented healthcare updates from the 2023 Maryland Legislative Session.

“I was reminded yesterday at the Maryland HIMSS event, of the great fortune our state has with the healthcare IT professionals leading us forward and the abiding support for keeping our eyes on relevant and important topics by our Maryland HIMSS Board whose event program ‘knocked it out of the park’!” shared Tressa Springmann, Senior Vice President & Chief Information and Digital Officer, LifeBridge Health.

“The attention to detail, the thoughtfully curated programs, and the exceptional choice of topics and speakers were excellent. Above all, what truly touched me was being part of a community that shares a genuine desire to improve the well-being of our patients,” said attendee Olga Bakayeva, Senior Healthcare IT professional. “This event not only fostered a spirit of collaboration, but it also reinforced the collective efforts and unwavering commitment of healthcare professionals to continuously strive for better outcomes.”

During the event, MDHIMSS announced its incoming 2023-2024 Board Members, who will serve one year in their respective positions.

• President: Jennifer Moore
• President-Elect:  Ravi Singh
• Secretary:  Anna Schoenbaum
• Treasurer: Phil Campbell
• Past President: Jackie Rice
• Members at Large: Mohammad Bajwa, Jennifer Baron, Cindy Carson, Christine Gerstmyer, Tanya Reeder, and Kathryn Whitmore

MDHIMSS partnered with Health Care for the Homeless (HCH) as its charity beneficiary during the event. HCH works to end homelessness through racially equitable health care, housing, and advocacy. Serving 10,000 neighbors annually, HCH runs three outpatient clinics, a mobile clinic, convalescent care, and an outreach team. MDHIMSS raised several thousand dollars and collected needed items for the charity during the two-day event.

About Maryland Chapter HIMSS

The Maryland Chapter of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) provides leadership in the advancement and effective use of technology for all aspects of care. With over 2,000 members throughout the state, the organization is still growing. The membership includes individuals in the fields of information systems, government and policy, clinicians and allied health, bio-medical engineers, telehealth, and more. MD HIMSS supports and serves academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, government, and for-profit companies in health care delivery, managed care, consulting, and technology. The broad and diverse membership brings the greatest opportunity for conversation around challenges and opportunities within the industry.

The goal of the organization is to provide professional development through high-quality educational sessions and networking opportunities throughout the year for all members. Maryland HIMSS also offers many volunteer opportunities with committees, including event planning, advocacy, and communications, as well as engagement with members, partners, and sponsors.

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1  DePuyt, B. (2022, August 8). Md. hospitals face “most critical staffing shortage in recent memory,” report finds - Maryland Matters. Maryland Matters. https://www.marylandmatters.org/2022/08/08/md-hospitals-face-most-criti… finds/#:~:text=Maryland%20is%20currently%20short%205%2C000,2035%2C%20according%20to%20the%20report.

Additional Quote: MDHIMSS President Jackie Rice said, “MDHIMSS is a volunteer organization and none of this would be possible without the hard work and dedication of our Board of Directors, Committee members, and membership.  All giving their time and expertise in the curation of a diverse panel of industry expert speakers, developing a thoughtful and relevant agenda, and engaging members throughout the state of Maryland to come and be a part of this incredible event.”