Three Luddy Indianapolis graduate students immersed themselves in the future of data, information, and health care at a recent global health conference.
Luddy School students (pictured above, from left) Manusha Mandepudi, Rahamthulla Shaik, and Bala Sowmya Samantula, attended the HIMSS24 Global Health Conference and Exhibition in Orlando, Fla., held March 11-15, 2024. The students, who received Luddy Career Services travel grants, are pursuing their master of science degrees in Health Informatics through IU’s Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering in Indianapolis.
The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society is a nonprofit committed to reforming the global health ecosystem through the power of information and technology. The society says its conference is the largest gathering of healthcare technology professionals worldwide, drew more than 30,000 attendees this year from over 70 nations, and featured nearly 500 speakers.
Educational programs at the conference included keynote speakers, clinician round tables and specialty education.
Manusha Mandepudi
“This experience was not just educational, but it also deeply inspired me, giving me a broad look at what the future holds for our field,” Mandepudi says. “Being part of HIMSS24 was a huge learning opportunity for me, making me even more dedicated to working towards a health care system where health informatics, digital health, and data analysis are key to making health care more reachable, efficient, and fair for everyone.”
At the conference she learned more about exchanging electronic health care data and Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources, and the challenges ensuring secure, seamless data exchange within the health care ecosystem.
“The discussions around precision medicine and genomics, and the potential of tailoring treatments to individual genetic profiles, were particularly illuminating,” Mandepudi says, “showcasing the cutting-edge of personalized care.”
“The focus on making different health systems work well together and the importance of FHIR really highlighted how crucial these are to achieving this goal,” she adds.
Also, Mandepudi notes, HIMSS24 gave her insights into the scope of the current medical product catalog. “It helped me finalize the content for the product catalog course I developed for the OpenHIE Academy at the Regenstrief Institute, where I worked as an OpenHIE intern,” she says.
“This conference didn’t just grow my knowledge; it also fueled my excitement for health informatics, strengthening my belief in its power to shape a better future for health care.”
Bala Sowmya Samantula
“The HIMSS 24 conference significantly contributed to my personal and academic growth,” says Samantula, “equipping me with a deeper understanding of health IT and introducing me to groundbreaking innovations in patient care.
She appreciated how she was able to expand her professional network and connect with industry experts during the conference.
“I had the opportunity of immersing myself in the latest advancements in health informatics,” Samantula adds. “I gained insights into cutting-edge technologies and innovations transforming patient care and health care delivery.
“The exposure to artificial intelligence (AI) applications in health care was particularly informative.”
Noting that she was able to engage with several noted health information companies at the conference, Samantula said, “This networking opportunity not only enhanced my understanding of health information technology but also opened doors to potential collaborations and future opportunities within the field.”
Rahamthulla Shaik
“Attending the HIMSS24 conference last month was a significant experience for me,” says Raham, “and I attribute much of my preparation for it to the classes I have taken at the Luddy School.”
He notes that his Luddy Indianapolis instructors, and classes on topics including health information exchange, terminology, and interoperability, enabled him to get the most out of the event.
“The depth of knowledge and understanding I gained in these subjects gave me a solid foundation to explore recent advancements and innovations in health care information technology at the conference.
“I immersed myself in a whirlwind of knowledge, networking, and inspiration that left an indelible mark on my career trajectory.”
In addition to interacting with representatives from major medical companies, Raham also volunteered at the conference, an experience he called one of the highlights of the event for him.
Other high points, he says, included exploring Generative AI and engaging with new information platforms. “This opened my eyes to the possibilities of automation in medication management, reaffirming my commitment to leveraging technology for better patient outcomes.”
A tool for growth
“Cost can be a barrier to accessing professional development opportunities for students,” says Karley Clayton, director of Career Services at Luddy Indianapolis. That’s where the Luddy travel grant can help.
“Each semester, we have a pool of funds where students can submit a short write-up regarding their financial needs, a budget for their proposal, and a rationale. The Career Services team then reviews applications on a rolling basis to provide up to $500 of funds per student,” Clayton explains.
Expanding their opportunities
All three students expressed how grateful they were for the opportunity to attend the HIMSS24 conference, which offered more than 900 educational sessions.
“I extend my sincere gratitude to the generous donors whose support made my attendance at this event possible,” says Samantula, “allowing me to broaden my horizons and advance toward my professional aspirations.”
She also gave credit to her Luddy Indianapolis supervisor Robyn Hart, Senior Assistant to the Chair, BioHealth Informatics. “She is the one who encouraged me to apply for the Luddy travel grant,” Samantula says.
The students are involved with the HIMSS Indiana Chapter, and Raham says its luncheon at the conference “provided a perfect launching pad, setting the stage for days filled with invaluable connections and insights.” He cited Luddy Indianapolis Clinical Assistant Professor Cathy Fulton, adjunct lecturer Anand Kulanthaivel, and colleague April Taylor for their help in particular on his health information journey.
“I extend heartfelt gratitude to Karley Clayton and the Luddy Indianapolis Career Services team for their unwavering support.” he added.
Mandepudi agreed.
“I’m immensely thankful for the travel grant from Luddy Career Services,” she says, and for the educational opportunities the conference provided.
“Getting to meet and learn from leading experts in these areas was an amazing experience.
“I’m now even more eager to put what I’ve learned into my studies and my future work in health informatics.”
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