NJHIMSS 2020 Annual Winter Networking Dinner and Panel Discussion Event Recap

Our chapter’s annual winter event was a huge success! We held the event on January 22 at the APA Hotel Woodbridge.

The event began by welcoming key sponsors, vendors, and members during our networking reception with excellent hors d’oeuvres and an open bar. After the networking reception, everyone gathered to their seat to get ready for a buffet dinner and the panel discussion that would follow. NJHIMSS Chapter President, Nina DiQuollo, also provided some updates on upcoming events and initiatives related to our chapter.

This year’s panel discussion was based on the 80’s game show, “The Dating Game,” however, instead of just one contestant and three prospects, there were three CMIOs asking questions of the three Vendors. A multivariate version of the popular TV show.

The event was moderated by John Ulett, VP/CIO of CentraState Healthcare System. The three CMIO’s that were featured were Dr. Dan Favius of Cooper Health, Dr. Stephen O’Mahony of RWJ/Barnabas Health and Dr. Gabrielle Pinzon of CentraState Medical Center. On the vendor side, this year’s panel featured J. Tod Featherling, CEO of Perception Health, Anthony Oliva, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Nuance Communication, and Karl Pringle, CEO of GenXys.

Ulett kicked off the panel discussion by engaging in conversation with the panel members, vendors and the audience. The topics of discussion were centered around predictive analytics, genomics prescribing, and ambient computing.

During the topic of predictive analytics, Dr. Pinzon addressed the concern that more info early on may not necessarily be beneficial for patients as it can create psychological harm. Featherling expressed that early detection can get patients into early stage screenings to potentially find what the problem is as a precautionary measure. Thus, early warning signs can be detected and from there, doctors can effectively offer the most ideal treatment plan and necessary steps to take. 

Dr. Stephen O’Mahony highlighted the importance of genomics prescribing by stating, “It is important to not have to guess when treating patients.” “Getting the right medicine and the accurate dosage to the correct patient should be everywhere,” stated Karl Pringle. Pringle also acknowledged that genomics prescribing is used to optimize the treatment for prevalent health issues including mental health and cardiovascular diseases.

On the topic of ambient computing, Tony Oliva indicated that when recording conversations and transcribing the conversation there are hardly ever any errors. However, converting the conversation into something meaningful is a challenging. He also covered the concerns of privacy and how it relates with conversational artificial intelligence (AI). “The problem is the unknown,” said Oliva. “What is being created? Where is it going to be? This is essentially the same as scribes who are recording the conversations manually. A lot of it is unknown.”

Attendees also weighed in by asking the vendors questions towards the end of the panel discussion, making the event an excellent forum to exchange knowledge and best practices. Additionally, Ulett introduced an interactive live polling app where he asked questions to the audience that were informative and educational.

Check out all the pictures from the event, here.

We look forward to seeing you in Orlando for our NJ/NY Chapter HIMSS luncheon at HIMSS National Convention in March!