Dr. Aerian Tatum, MS, RHIA, CCS, CPHIMS

I am from Baltimore, Maryland, where I developed an early passion for healthcare. As a teenager, I enjoyed volunteering at hospitals in the city and often wondered about the various careers that would allow me to work in a hospital environment. After changing my major five times and switching colleges, I finally discovered health information management at East Carolina University.

My first job in the field was as a diagnostic coder, and I later advanced my career by working with Lexicode Corporation. Over the years, I have held numerous titles and roles, each demonstrating the versatility of health information (HI) professionals. Whether managing, training, organizing, leading, or supporting others, HI professionals cannot be confined to a single box—we truly do it all.

Recently, I achieved a personal milestone by earning the designation of Fellow of AHIMA (FAHIMA). This recognition represents a culmination of my dedication to the field and my passion for making meaningful contributions to health information management. I am truly honored to join the ranks of AHIMA Fellows and continue to advocate for our profession.

Challenges and Opportunities in HI in 2024

The field of health information management faces both challenges and opportunities in 2024. AHIMA, as an organization, has navigated significant challenges over the past year, but these experiences present incredible opportunities for growth. We have the chance to focus on rebranding, enhancing leadership, improving our organizational culture, and staying relevant in an ever-evolving healthcare landscape. These initiatives will not only benefit AHIMA but also the entire health information profession.

Steps HI Students Can Take in 2024 to Thrive in the Profession

To thrive in the health information profession, students should actively seek opportunities to gain practical experience and build their professional networks. This includes:

• Sit for the CCA certification: A great first step to building credentials.
• Engage with your state association: Volunteer or even ask to serve as a student representative on the board.
• Get involved with AHIMA: Volunteer with the national organization to gain visibility and contribute to the profession.
• Leverage AHIMA resources: Take full advantage of the student information available on the AHIMA website, including webinars, networking opportunities, and professional development tools.

Anything Additional You Would Like to Include

The health information field is constantly evolving, and the professionals within it are uniquely positioned to lead the transformation of healthcare. As a versatile and dynamic community, we play a critical role in ensuring data quality, privacy, and the seamless delivery of care. My advice to all HI professionals, whether students or seasoned experts, is to embrace lifelong learning and stay engaged with AHIMA as we continue to shape the future of health information.