IFHIMA’s inaugural awardee for the Tribute to Excellence, Margaret Skurka, will receive her award at the 20th IFHIMA Congress in Brisbane. Margaret is excited to make the journey and see her international friends and colleagues. I recently spoke with Margaret, and she shared why she enjoys the IFHIMA Congresses.
“My program lead when I was in undergraduate school, Rita Finnegan, instilled in me the value of lifelong volunteerism. Hence, I’ve volunteered at all levels of AHIMA, the American Association, and at IFHIMA on an international playing field. Rita was certainly “spot on” in sharing this career and personal advice that is as relevant today as it was in the 80’s!
Attending Congresses provides a first-hand opportunity to hear the worldwide struggles with high quality documentation while also hearing the latest advances. The new colleagues I’ve met over the decades have provided lifelong friendships and access to global happenings and lessons learned.
The highlight of my many Congresses was enjoying a fabulous dinner and entertainment at the 18th Congress in Tokyo with Dr Margaret Chan, WHO Director General. Wow, what a smart, delightful lady with great insight and appreciation for our profession. “
Margaret is already making her preliminary travel plans and we’ve discussed which flight we will be on from San Francisco to Brisbane. Join us in Brisbane on 29 October for an educationally stimulating program, fun, and networking. Registration details can be found here. Don’t forget if you are an IFHIMA member you can receive the membership registration discount. If you’re not currently a member, join now!