HIMSS25

Data modernization includes how people in public health can have real-time data to inform and provide strategic guidance and policies that can improve communities, says Dr. Sameer Vohra, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Identifying people who want to contribute and share knowledge takes a bit of work, but it pays off once you get someone involved and they see the benefits it provides, says Julie Luengas, CNIO at Stony Brook Medicine Information Technology.  

While clinicians are seeing positive results from AI tools such as ambient listening, Anurag Mehta, Omega Healthcare CEO, believes healthcare won't realize AI's full potential until data-security fears are overcome.

As digital health innovation continues, Trinity Health's Dr. Roosevelt De Los Santos, who is a 2025 Changemaker Awardee, advises healthcare organizations to seek stakeholder input on technology-related matters to keep improving patient outcomes.

HIMSS25 Changemaker Awardee Dr. Maheshwara Rao Appannan, who is with Malaysia's Ministry of Health, discusses prioritizing data ownership, sourcing technology from vendors and earning public trust as ways to accelerate digital health progress.

According to Ryne Natzke, TrustCommerce's chief revenue officer, health systems can better meet patients' expectations by accepting digital wallets and leveraging AI tools to identify patients who need customized payment plans.

Krystal Schramm of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services advises those starting out in health IT to build diverse connections, share their ideas and create their own paths to success.

Genetic therapy is effective but can cost millions of dollars. Boro Dropulić, executive director of Caring Cross, says technology innovations and partnerships with hospitals and governments can help lower costs and increase accessibility.

The HIMSS CIO Connect program enables participants to be able to network and build upon specific goals and desires while harnessing from the experience of many people, says Habi Mojidi, CIO for Medical Readiness in the U.S. Army.

Olga Kagan, Food Allergy Nursing Association CEO, talks about her journey from immigrant to informaticist and advises health IT newcomers to act on issues they're passionate about and join a strong, supportive professional community.