In honor of National Hospital Week, Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center is celebrating the dedicated individuals who power our hospital with compassion and expertise. Each day, we’re featuring an employee who makes a meaningful impact behind the scenes and at the bedside.
What is your title and unit/department?
I am a clinical applications analyst working in the Information Technology (IT) Department where I specialize in supporting and optimizing our Electronic Health Record (EHR) System i.e., Cerner, in order to enhance clinical workflows, patient care, and operational efficiency.
When did you start at MAHHC?
I joined Mt Ascutney Hospital in September of 2023, right before fall fully hit—when the leaves were turning, the air was getting crisp. Moving to this cold, colorful place was a big change, but a beautiful one and a great time to start a new chapter!
What do you enjoy most about your role?
What I find most fulfilling is bridging the gap between clinical staff and technology and having the opportunity to empower providers and other health care teams to enhance patient care through innovative solutions. Every day is a chance to solve problems, streamline workflows, and witness the direct impact of my work on both staff efficiency and patient outcomes. The most rewarding aspect is knowing that my contributions behind the scenes are helping create a smoother, more effective clinical environment for everyone who’s involved in delivering patient care.
What’s something that you’ve accomplished that you’re proud of?
One of my most significant accomplishments was leading a pivotal project to secure the Cerner EMR connectivity across the untrusted networks through the implementation of Duo as a multi-factor authentication (MFA) solution. Drawing on Lean Six Sigma methodologies, I conducted a comprehensive analysis to identify security vulnerabilities and inefficiencies. As a part of the process, I also worked closely with the stakeholders to ensure the right individuals had the necessary access and ensured that the transition is smooth and efficient. The result was a highly successful initiative that safeguarded the confidentiality and integrity of patient data and also reinforced the financial security of the organization. It was truly a great experience that demonstrated the power of aligning technology, security, and process optimization for the greater good of the organization.
What’s something that most people don’t know about your role?
Many people don’t realize how much behind-the-scenes work goes into making sure the EHR system is running smoothly. It’s not just about fixing issues when they arise. It’s also about anticipating potential challenges, testing updates, and constantly working with clinical staff to ensure the system fits their needs. My role is a mix of troubleshooting, training and, collaboration-all to make sure the technology supports our clinical teams in providing best possible care to our patients. Every small improvement I make contributes to better outcomes for both the staff and patients.