» STUDENT RECRUITMENT UPDATE
Mentors, Mentees Share their Perspectives
The implementation of EHRs and the upcoming transition to ICD-10-CM/PCS are enough to keep HIM professionals busy. However, HIM professionals also have a duty that goes beyond the workplace. With so many new professionals entering the
growing HIM field, the need for mentors is skyrocketing. AHIMA Advantage recently spoke with a mentor and a mentee about their
experiences and what they have learned from the mentor program. Learn more about AHIMA’s mentoring program here.
A Mentee’s Perspective
by Elizabeth Horn
2011–2012 Student Advisory Council Member
A Mentor’s Perspective
by Patience Hoag
RHIT, CHCA, CCS, CCS-P, CPHQ, AHIMA Mentor
Attending the
2011 AHIMA
National
Convention was
a life-changing
experience as a
student taking a
non-traditional
HIM path. I’m
pursuing a career
in medicine as a
doctor and then
hope to move
up the ranks
as a hospital
administrator.
Sometimes it
can get very
discouraging
knowing that my HIM career won’t really start for some time.
However, meeting AHIMA board member Diann H.
Brown, MS, RHIA, CHP, and connecting with her during
the convention changed my perspective on my path. Brown
encouraged me to keep up my hard work and assured me
that it will help with my career in HIM. She explained that
her boss at her facility was a physician. Brown’s enthusiasm,
encouragement, and excitement over my educational path
provided me with the push and motivation I needed.
I encourage professionals to reach out and serve as mentors
because not only does it help students gain experience but
you make a real difference in a mentee’s career path and even
become their role model.
In my experience, there is no better way to give back and
serve new HIM professionals than participating in the
mentoring program and fostering the future professionals
within the field. v
Laquan Black contacted me about
four years ago
while she was a
student. She found
my name on the
list of mentors on
the Student CoP,
and requested my
assistance as she
began her career.
From time to
time, we would
exchange e-mails,
and even as Black’s
career blossomed
our communication never ceased.
She was always
thoughtful and
considerate of my
time, and understanding when travel or family circumstances
prohibited my immediate response to her question.
Last June, I notified Laquan that my e-mail address would be
changing due to a new job. She encouraged me as I made the
leap from a company I’d been with for over nine years, which
meant a lot. Laquan e-mailed to let me know she was attending
the 2011 AHIMA convention and to ask if I was attending.
I was so excited at the prospect of finally meeting her, and
on October 2, it finally happened. We had a great evening
of talking and sharing and now we are convinced that our
connection was meant to be. We are excited at the prospect of
growing our friendship as a result of this meeting.
I want to share with the AHIMA community that all members
should take time to mentor a student or new grad as they begin
their career. Don’t think that your time is so valuable that you
can’t invest it in the next generation of HIM professionals. I’ve
gained far more than I invested when I responded to Laquan’s
initial e-mail; I gained a true friend. v
Mentee Laquan Black (left) pictured
with mentor Patience Hoag
Become a Mentor Today
Experienced HIM professionals are needed to guide students, new members, and current members as they transition into the field or
into a new job role. Share your knowledge and skills with the next generation. If you are interested in becoming a mentor, e-mail your
resume and a brief paragraph stating why you would like to become a mentor before December 31. v
