Navigating Unexpected Transition: Reflections on a Career in healthcare Interoperability & What Comes Next
This week brought an unexpected shift. After nearly nine years dedicated to advancing healthcare interoperability at ByLight,my position was eliminated as the contract wasn’t renewed. It’s a moment for reflection, and a time to consider the future of this vital field – and my role within it.
A Journey in Standards & Modernization
My journey with ByLight began in November 2016 as a standards representative. Since then, I’ve been deeply involved in projects centered around critical healthcare data standards like CDA, XDS, and, increasingly, FHIR.
Most recently, I contributed to the modernization of MyHealtheVet, the VA’s patient portal. Our team was midway through a significant FHIR transition,together updating the web interface and integrating with Oracle Health (Cerner) to support the VA’s evolving Electronic health Record (EHR) ecosystem. This work aimed to empower Veterans with secure access to their medical records, streamlined interaction with care teams, and efficient prescription management.
The sudden contract termination impacts not only my career path but also the momentum of this important modernization effort. While ByLight actively pursued renewal, the decision remains unclear, leaving the future of the portal somewhat uncertain.
Impact on Industry Involvement & Leadership Roles
This transition extends beyond my employment. it also necessitates stepping down from key roles within the healthcare IT standards community.
I was scheduled to co-chair the IHE IT Infrastructure Technical Committee‘s face-to-face meeting. Unfortunately, I had to inform my colleagues of my departure and the loss of my standing within IHE. This requires redistribution of responsibilities, including GitHub governance and IG publishing.
Similarly, HL7 has revoked my authority. While HL7 offers a potential pathway for membership continuity, its applicability to my situation remains to be seen. These are necessary steps, but represent a significant shift in my level of direct involvement.
Charting a New Course: Consulting & Continued Contribution
I had envisioned a retirement within the next 2-5 years, allowing for a gradual transition. This unexpected change accelerates that timeline, but doesn’t diminish my desire to remain engaged in the field.
My focus now shifts towards exploring consulting opportunities.I’m notably interested in leveraging my extensive experience with FHIR Implementation Guide advancement and request to assist projects and regions in their profiling efforts.
I’m not seeking a dramatic career change or further ascent into leadership. Observing the current landscape, I find myself less inspired by “higher up” positions and more motivated to contribute through focused, impactful work. I believe fostering fresh leadership is crucial for the continued evolution of healthcare interoperability.
The Value of experience & Mentorship
I’ve observed colleagues successfully navigate consulting roles well into their careers. While I once viewed this with some reservation – recognizing the need for new voices – I now see the value in providing guidance and expertise based on years of practical experience.
My goal isn’t to remain entrenched in leadership positions, but to facilitate smoother implementations and empower others to drive innovation.
Looking Ahead: Resilience & Opportunity
This situation feels remarkably familiar.As I wrote in 2016, I’m once again updating my resume and contemplating the next chapter. Fortunately, I have pre-planned camping vacations on the horizon, offering a much-needed opportunity for reflection and rejuvenation.Perhaps this unexpected turn of events will ultimately prove fortuitous, allowing me to focus on projects that truly resonate with my passion for improving healthcare through interoperability.
Moving forward, I am open to discussing consulting opportunities. Please feel free to connect to explore potential collaborations.
Key Areas of Expertise:
FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources): Implementation, Profiling, and Integration.
CDA (Clinical Document Architecture): Standards development and implementation.
XDS (Cross-Enterprise document Sharing): Architecture and integration.
Healthcare Interoperability Standards: Deep understanding of IHE and HL7 frameworks.
EHR Integration: Experience with major EHR systems, including Oracle Health (cerner).
Patient Portal Modernization: Expertise in enhancing patient engagement and data access.