I had another great conversation with IFHIMA colleague, Kennedy George from Oman. I remember meeting Kennedy in Montreal at my first IFHIMA Congress.
At the onset, I would like to thank the 20th IFHIMA Congress for this opportunity to share my experiences through the IFHIMA Congresses that are being held every three years in one of the Federation Member Countries spanning five continents. I have been a member of IFHIMA for the past 15 years and been a part of every Congress conducted so far. IFHIMA, serving as a global voice for the profession, has provided me with opportunities to not only learn, but to network and exchange information and ideas on an international scale.
I feel these Congresses are very well organized and successful with interesting seminars and discussions on various health information topics. I have been able to meet with several International experienced and committed HIM experts, self-motivated veterans of Health information, medical documentation experts, specialists in various information system and management disciplines, and practitioners from different information culture. Interacting and sharing of ideas with them has provided me a great insight on the profession from around the globe.
My contribution to the IFHIMA Congresses includes presentations at the conferences, participation in group discussions and participation in taskforce committees. I also got an opportunity to be trained in the “train the training program” and to study the Coding Program at Brisbane. Through my association with the experts in HIM I was able to arrange for a consultation visit of Dr. Phyllis Watson to the Sultanate of Oman to evaluate the education system and the services provided by HIM professionals here. Her recommendations have added a great value to our existing program.
The knowledge gained through these Congresses have also given me the courage to participate in preparing, organizing, and modernizing of the existing Health Information System in Oman and be updated with ICD. I hope my future interactions with my professional colleagues that I have earned during these Congresses will shed some light to identify and solve issues faced by our HIM professionals here and to introduce effective measures and practices.
In conclusion, I would like to express my heart-felt thanks to all those who have made these IFHIMA Congresses possible, and those who have enriched me with their experiences and support. I look forward to seeing my international colleagues in Brisbane!!
I look forward to seeing Kennedy’s smiling face in Brisbane and hearing of HIM advances in Oman.
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Mr. Kennedy George
Program Coordinator
Health Information Management Program
Oman College of Health Sciences
Ministry of Health
Sultanate of Oman