Information technology has become integral to the practice of modern medicine and will play a crucial role in achieving the objectives of creating the higher-quality, lower-cost healthcare system of the future. Successful implementation of IT within any organization requires a champion at the highest levels of leadership.
According to the judges, this year's recipients are stellar examples of executives who are leading the charge on healthcare IT. One judge lauded Kini's superlative patient-engagement strategy and advocacy efforts at the state level. Another cited his innovative approach to utilizing smartphone applications to improve patient care and business processes. Another noted the high level of financial support that Miami Children's Hospital gives to health IT.
Bluford also received a strong endorsement from the judges. One called him an exceptional leader who has used an aggressive IT strategy to transform Truman Medical Centers. “He is a national figure in the U.S. hospital industry and has utilized this national platform to support the advancement of IT utilization within the hospital industry,” one judge wrote. Another cited the high investment Truman makes in IT as a percentage of revenue and the organization's “very solid metrics and measurable results” from adoption of EHRs.
A five-judge panel consisting of three CEOs chosen by Modern Healthcare and two chief information officers chosen by HIMSS selected this year's honorees.
