I had the pleasure of interviewing Mark Edwards, the AVP of IT at Hendrick Health, a distinguished non-profit healthcare institution in Abilene, Texas, with a rich history dating back to 1924. We explored his career journey and gained insights into his innovative approach to IT. Read on to glean valuable insights from our conversation.
Q: Mark, can you start by telling us about your journey into healthcare IT?
Mark Edwards: Absolutely. My career has spanned several industries, including roles in IT leadership at Lauren Engineers & Constructors and telecommunications firms. I joined Hendrick Health in 2021 and stepped into the AVP role in 2022. Transitioning into healthcare IT has been particularly eye-opening due to the scale and complexity involved. The number of systems, the integration, interoperability... it's a lot to manage. I often compare our approach to tackling these challenges to eating an elephant one bite at a time—methodical and steady.
Q: How have your past experiences influenced your approach at Hendrick Health?
Mark Edwards: Each industry has its unique challenges, but there's a common thread in IT management: the need for a strong infrastructure and a forward-thinking mindset. My previous roles have taught me the importance of balancing operational stability with innovation. At Hendrick Health, this means ensuring our systems run smoothly while also evaluating new technologies that can enhance patient care. It's always about keeping an eye on what's next while managing the demands of today.
Q: Innovation seems to be a key part of your strategy. Can you elaborate on that?
Mark Edwards: Innovation is essential, especially in healthcare IT. Even though 80-85% of our resources are dedicated to maintaining current systems, we always reserve a portion for exploring new technologies. We continuously assess products and platforms to stay ahead in this rapidly evolving field. It's crucial to keep innovation in the mix to improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency.
Q: Can you tell us more about your partnership with C1 Technologies?
Mark Edwards: Our partnership with C1 Technologies is pivotal to our strategy. C1 is a global IT solution provider with expertise in healthcare. Together, we've embarked on several initiatives aimed at enhancing operational efficiencies and improving patient care. For instance, C1 manages our Cisco WebEx and Nortel Unified Communications systems, which have revolutionized how we communicate and collaborate. Whether on-site or remote, these tools facilitate quicker decision-making, ultimately benefiting our patients.
Q: How are you leveraging AI and machine learning at Hendrick Health?
Mark Edwards: AI and machine learning have transformative potential in healthcare. We use AI-driven tools to enhance diagnostics, personalize treatment plans, and optimize operations. This not only improves patient care but also empowers our healthcare providers with data-driven insights. It's about harnessing technology to support better decision-making and more effective treatments.
Q: Security is always a major concern in healthcare. How are you addressing this at Hendrick Health?
Mark Edwards: Security is a top priority for us. After a significant threat a few years ago, we've implemented rigorous security measures and continually enhance our protocols to stay ahead of threats. We've brought on a new security director to lead these efforts. Our focus is on maintaining a robust security posture to protect patient data and ensure the integrity of our systems.
Q: Given Hendrick Health's location in smaller town, how do you address workforce challenges?
Mark Edwards: Recruiting and retaining talent can be challenging in a smaller market. We've focused on cultivating and developing talent internally to ensure continuity and expertise. This approach helps us maintain a strong, knowledgeable IT team. Currently, our 115-person IT team is critical to supporting healthcare delivery, and investing in our people is key to our success.
Q: Looking ahead, what are your goals for Hendrick Health's IT department?
Mark Edwards: Moving forward, our primary goal is to drive innovation while maintaining operational stability. Our partnership with C1 Technologies will continue to play a crucial role in this journey, enabling us to adopt cutting-edge technologies that support our mission of delivering exceptional patient care. We are committed to excellence and leveraging technology to make a positive impact on healthcare delivery.
Q: In conclusion, how would you describe your approach as a modern IT leader in healthcare?
Mark Edwards: My approach blends extensive industry experience with a proactive and innovative mindset. I believe technology is critical in transforming healthcare delivery and improving patient outcomes. As we continue to innovate and adapt, the future of healthcare IT at Hendrick Health looks promising. We are driven by a commitment to excellence and a dedication to leveraging technology for a positive impact.
