After 25 years using the same electronic health record system, the Medical Center Health System had no choice but to move onto a new one, since the old software was being discontinued. So CEO William Webster and Gary Barnes drew up a plan to implement a new EHR, unifying their organization and moving towards more patient-centered care.
To celebrate their achievements, the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives gave them the 2017 CHIME AHA Transformational Leadership Award on Wednesday at this year's Fall CIO Forum, in San Antonio. The award is given to a CEO and CIO who effect change in healthcare delivery through the use of IT.
CHIME also recognized other IT leaders Wednesday. The organization gave Charles Christian, Indiana Health Information Exchange's vice president of technology and engagement. its Outstanding Service Award for his years of dedication to CHIME.
"[Christian] sets an example of what it means to be a thoughtful and committed leader who has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to advancing health IT through his incredible service to our industry," said CHIME board chair Liz Johnson in a statement.
Fernando Martinez received CHIME's Innovator of the Year Award.
CHIME celebrated Martinez's achievements at the Austin-based Texas Hospital Association Foundation Center for Technology Innovation, where he led the development of the THA Smart Ribbon, a decision-support tool that helps clinicians keep in mind cost and clinical data. After 55 providers at a Dallas hospital system began using the tool, the organization saved $430,444 over 71 days.
"Fernando has given us a solution that is compatible with [clinicians'] workflow, but equally important, he has shared it with the broader community," Johnson said.