Implementing student informatics projects with health care organizations: Creating career opportunities

Health Informatics & Technology Conference

October 20-22, 2014 Double Tree by Hilton Baltimore - BWI Airport, USA

Sharie Falan

Keynote: J Health Med Informat

Abstract :

Student engagement with community is critical for a well-rounded educational experience for health informatics and information management students. Over the past two years, informatics students at both undergraduate and graduate levels have completed projects at local health care organizations to apply skills learned in academic courses. As a result of the projects and building of relationships, health care organizations have made career opportunities available for students. Creating student projects is a fulfilling experience-however, some pitfalls emerge that can be avoided. This presentation will discuss all phases of the student-project endeavor with health care organizations to assist educators and others in preparing students and faculty for these roles.

Biography :

Sharie Falan completed her PhD at the University of Michigan and is associate professor with the Bronson School of Nursing and associate director of the Center for Health Information Technology Advancement at Western Michigan University. Dr. Falan?s research interests include health information technology and similarity. Dr. Falan has presented her research work in Ireland and China as well as in the United States at peer reviewed conferences. Her most recent research focuses on assessing informatics competences in nursing education among nursing students. This work will lead to clearer understandings about what informatics knowledge students need and where gaps may occur. Dr. Falan is also the co-director of the Health Informatics and Information Management undergraduate major and minor curriculum designed to promote inter-professional learning and experiences for students in multiple disciplines involved with the health care domain.