We Are HIMSS Member Spotlight: Patricia MacTaggart, CAHIMS, MBA, MMA

At HIMSS, our members are the heart of our organization, made up of more than 100,000 individuals, 480 provider organizations, 470 non-profit partners and 650 health services organizations. Because their contributions are essential to our success, we seek to recognize their many accomplishments across title, worksite, region and career stage. Today and every day, we celebrate the essential endeavors of these health information and technology changemakers. #wearehimss

Patricia MacTaggart, CAHIMS, MBA, MMA
Program Director/Teaching Instructor
The George Washington University

What does certification help you do?

CAHIMS certification provides a credential in the marketplace that validates the knowledge and expertise you bring to the healthcare ecosystem. As a program instructor for future industry leaders, it is my responsibility to provide current, accurate, and relevant information to my students. Taking the CAHIMS exam and retaining the educational credits ensures that I provide graduate students with the information they need to be relevant to the healthcare and health information and technology industry.

What advice do you have for someone who is considering CAHIMS or CPHIMS certification?

I had my CAHIMS for years but did not track the required credits and lost my certification. Do not do that. Others in our industry notice credentials, and I was surprised at how quickly people noticed that I did not have CAHIMS after my name. After retaking the exam and adding the credential back to my signature line, others quickly commented on it, which means it has value.

What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve encountered. How did you overcome it?

Time and money are always a challenge for all of us, but making certification a priority is central to success. As a prerequisite to obtaining and retaining any certification, it is important to be prepared, and ensure you have the right knowledge, skills, and experience. Learn the concepts, be able to apply them in context, and complete the work.

What's your favorite quote and why?

“If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.” – Marc Anthony

If you love what you do, you work harder at it. If you work harder at it, you are going to be more successful, and you will love the work even more. Life is too short to get up every day and not do something you love.