2024 MNHIMSS Student Scholarship Winners
We are thrilled to announce the winners of the 2024 Student Scholarships offered by the Minnesota Chapter of the Health Information Management Systems Society (MNHIMSS)! These outstanding students have demonstrated exceptional dedication and potential in the fields of Health Information Management and Healthcare IT.
Please join us in congratulating:
- Camryn Barksdale
- Pavel Bulgakov
- Halle Hill
- Tyler Kleinsasser
- Miranda Weaver
Each winner received a $500 scholarship to support their academic and professional journey. We are proud to support these future leaders as they continue to make significant contributions to the health information management and healthcare IT fields.
We look forward to seeing the remarkable achievements of these students as they continue to excel in their careers. Thank you for your continued engagement and support of the MN HIMSS community!
For any questions, please contact christopherson.laura@mayo.edu.
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Meet the Scholarship Recipients
Miranda Weaver
On behalf of the MNHIMSS chapter, we are thrilled to support Miranda as she pursues a career in Health Information Management and Healthcare IT! Miranda is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Information Management and Computer Information Systems from the College of St. Scholastica. We asked Miranda to share her journey, including what inspired her, the challenges she faced, and the individuals who encouraged her along the way. Here is what she shared with us.
Why are you interested in pursuing a career in Health Information and Management Systems?
"I am interested in pursuing a career in HIMs because I will be able to help people without being a nurse or a doctor. I always knew that I wanted to do something in the medical field but I also really love working on computers. It is amazing that I have the opportunity to put both of my dreams in one career."
What led you down this path to explore this career?
"When I graduated high school in 2021, I had thought that I was going to be a Physical Therapist. I made it through Anatomy and Physiology I and decided that after I got through that I didn’t want to do the second class. That wasn't for me and my brain couldn't comprehend everything we were learning and memorizing. I then decided that I needed to change my major, but nothing interested me at my current school. I then went on the search for other schools around my area that offered something that interested me. When I came across the College of Saint Scholastica, I noticed that they had a degree in HIM. I had no idea what that was and decided to look into it. Once I talked about it with my advisors, I realized that is what I wanted to do. I have never regretted my decision of pursuing my degree at HIM.
What are the next steps in your education/career path?
"Within the next two years I am hoping that I will have finished all of my credits and requirements to graduate in 2026. Once I graduate, I am hoping to get a job around the town where I live, I have no plans on moving out of my hometown. I’m just hoping I get an amazing opportunity for a job when I graduate."
Was there one or more individuals you would like to thank for encouraging, mentoring, or supporting you?
"I have 3 people that have supported me throughout my college adventure so far. First my parents have been the biggest supporters, they are so proud of how well I am doing in school and are very excited to see what my future holds. My dad has been very excited because he works on computers for his job. Not exactly what I will be doing but it is very similar. The last person that has been there for me since day 1 is my boyfriend. He has been so supportive of my career. He is there whenever I need him after a long day of classes. He is my number one fan and is very excited to see my graduate from school."
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Halle Hill
On behalf of the MNHIMSS chapter, we are thrilled to support Halle Hill as she pursues a career in Health Information Management and Healthcare IT! Halle is pursuing an associate’s degree in individualized studies at Dakota County Technical School and currently works as an HR and Marketing Assistant at a healthcare consulting company.
We asked Halle to share her journey, including what inspired her, the challenges she faced, and the individuals who encouraged her along the way. Here is what she shared with us.
Why are you interested in pursuing a career in Health Information and Management Systems?
"I have always been fascinated by the intersection of healthcare and technology. The idea of improving patient outcomes and operational efficiencies through innovative information systems is incredibly motivating. HIMSS allows me to contribute to healthcare in a meaningful way."
What led you down this path to explore this career?
"My journey began with a strong interest in both healthcare and information technology, nurtured while growing up in a family-run company. The integration of advanced technology in healthcare was a transformative period in my parents' careers, allowing them to explore new dimensions of their work. Witnessing their excitement and adaptation to these changes inspired me to step into this ever-evolving field. I am eager to contribute to the advancement of HIM. I am committed to continuous learning and professional development, which will enable me to stay abreast of emerging trends and regulations. I am confident that my academic background, combined with my practical experience and passion for healthcare technology, will allow me to make meaningful contributions to the HIM field."
Any challenges or high points along the way?
"One of the biggest challenges has been staying updated with the rapid advancements in technology and changing regulations in healthcare. However, this is also one of the most exciting aspects of the field."
What are the next steps in your education/career path?
"My next step is to do marketing for healthcare companies as I just completed my associate's degree at Dakota County Technical School!"
Was there one or more individuals you would like to thank for encouraging, mentoring, or supporting you?
"I would like to thank my parents, Bert and Alison Hill, for their unwavering support and guidance. Their encouragement helped me navigate the complexities of this field and fueled my passion for HIMSS."
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Camryn Barksdale
On behalf of the MNHIMSS chapter, we are thrilled to support Camryn as she pursues a career in Health Information Management and Healthcare IT! Camryn is pursuing a Master’s in Healthcare Administration from the University of Minnesota and expects to graduate in May of 2025. This summer, she is working as a Graduate Intern with Sutter Health in Sacramento, CA.
We asked Camryn to share her journey, including what inspired her, the challenges she faced, and the individuals who encouraged her along the way. Here is what she shared with us.
Why are you interested in pursuing a career in Health Information and Management Systems?
"Data is the foundation to develop insights and actionable change in any healthcare organization. I am interested in Health Information and Management Systems, because I am strong advocate for data-driven healthcare decision making, with the focus of improving patient access and equity of care."
What led you down this path to explore this career?
"My early interest in healthcare and exposure to the power of data and transformative change has led me to pursue a career in healthcare administration, with a focus on improving patient access and equity of care. I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience as a student at the University of Minnesota, learning how to be a future-thinking leader and problem-solver, ready to embrace and lead the change the US healthcare system needs. I have gained valuable experience serving patients in the academic, clinical, IT, and payer setting, that is continuing to develop my career objectives and aid in my formal education."
Any challenges or high points along the way?
"One of the biggest challenges has been staying updated with the rapid advancements in technology and changing regulations in healthcare. However, this is also one of the most exciting aspects of the field."
What are the next steps in your education/career path?
"I am a Masters of Healthcare Administration candidate at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, set to graduate in May 2025. This summer, I am a Graduate Intern with Sutter Health in Sacramento, CA. After graduation, I hope to complete an Administrative Fellowship."
Was there one or more individuals you would like to thank for encouraging, mentoring, or supporting you?
"I would like to thank the University of Minnesota MHA faculty for inspiring and supporting my academic passions and endeavors. Additionally, I would like to thank the leadership and mentorship I experienced during my time working for MEDITECH, that developed my interest in health informatics."
Congratulations, Camryn! We wish you the best in your career, welcome you to our chapter, and invite you to join us in contributing to the profession by engaging with our chapter.