The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) honored members at its annual AHIMA Triumph Awards ceremony. The awards recognize the excellence, dedication and service of health information management (HIM) professionals whose work has enriched the field.
The awards were presented during AHIMA’s 90th Annual Convention & Exhibit in Miami.
“The Triumph Awards are a time-honored celebration of outstanding accomplishments in the HIM profession,” said AHIMA CEO Wylecia Wiggs Harris, PhD, CAE. “We are pleased to honor these truly remarkable individuals who have made a difference in the HIM profession.”
Distinguished Member Award: Mark S. Dietz, RHIA, was posthumously named the 2018 Distinguished Member, AHIMA’s highest honor. Dietz, who died in May, served on AHIMA’s Board of Directors and the AHIMA Foundation board. Dietz, a healthcare consultant, was a sought-after speaker on a variety of HIM and healthcare finance topics and a dedicated mentor to HIM professionals and students.
Advocacy and Public Policy Award: Tracy A. Elmer, RHIA, received the Advocacy and Public Policy Award. Elmer is director of clinical information systems, Epic clinical education and training, and biomed at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego. Elmer is in her second year as chair of AHIMA’s Advocacy and Policy Council and has served as president and board member of the California Health Information Association.
Educator Award: Mariruth “Mari” Petrik, MBA, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P, received the Educator Award. Petrik is a professor at Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills, IL. She is notable for developing and teaching a capstone course to help students not only pass the RHIT exam but also score consistently above the national exam average.
Emerging Leader Award: Davin D. Foster, RHIT, is honored with the Emerging Leader Award. Foster is compliance officer at Coffeyville Regional Medical Center in Kansas. After receiving his RHIT certification in 2014, Foster expanded his career by serving as director of HIM/privacy officer in various healthcare organizations.
Leadership Award: Sue Clarke-Kendrick, MHA, RHIA, received the Leadership Award. Clarke-Kendrick is the AVP of HIM and CDI operations at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY. She also serves as the curriculum chair of the health information technology program at Westchester Community College, where she has designed three educational programs that are part of the college’s curriculum.
Mentor Award: Kealia “Kay” A. Folck, MHA, RHIA, CPEHR, CPHIT, received the Mentor Award. Folck is a clinical assistant professor at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, KS. Her career has encompassed traditional HIM management, health IT, resource and quality management, and legal and risk management as well as academia.
Student Award: Two individuals received the Student Award.
Andrea K. Pringle, a student at Florida A&M University (FAMU), is recognized for her academic excellence and involvement in many campus activities. She was honored by FAMU as the 2018 Outstanding Student for the School of Allied Health Division of Health Informatics and Information Management.
Isabel Quintana, MA, CCA, is a student at University of Central Florida (UCF), where she has been the recipient of several academic honors. She is also administrative coordinator of referral services and continuity of care at UCF Student Health Services.
