Leading to the next level

Jeff Sturman is senior vice president and chief information officer at Memorial Healthcare System in Hollywood. With a 25-year career in healthcare information technology and a previous job with MHS, Sturman says he is confident that he can “lead Memorial to the next level in its technology evolution.” Working in both operations and consulting, Sturman says he understands the complexities of managing diverse groups, healthcare workflow, and advanced technologies.

Resume

Experience: This is my second stint at MHS, previously from 2004-2012, after six years as a partner at Cumberland Consulting Group; also I’ve worked in Chicago, at Ernst & Young and then Cap Gemini.

Education: University of Missouri, Columbia, Mo., Masters of Health Administration; Indiana University, Bloomington, Ind., B.A. Psychology

On the job

What I do: I manage and lead all aspects of information technology across Memorial Healthcare System, which includes six hospitals in South Broward, and other medical and ancillary care facilities.

Why my job is important: At Memorial, the CIO role is one of the executive positions connected to all aspects of our business, including clinical, financial, and technological. I’m intimately involved in day-to-day operations.

Industry wisdom: Healthcare revolves around people and relationships, so it’s important to listen, collaborate, and be flexible enough to deliver outcomes that benefit everyone.

Strategies

Understand the long view: Elec-

tronic health records, the foundation of technology in healthcare provider organizations, are well established, so now it’s about using the data they generate to help providers and administrators make analytic and evidence-based decisions that improve patient care.

Create lasting relationships: If I don’t have an answer, my trusted network can be counted on to provide perspective and expertise.

Professional development: HIMSS, Healthcare Information Management Systems Society, and CHIME, the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives. Both groups fortify my network and provide resources to stay on top of advancements in healthcare IT.

Advice to young professionals: It’s a great time to be involved in healthcare information technology. All of us have the opportunity to influence what can be accomplished for the next generation and maximize the possibilities of what a complex industry can deliver to its many audiences.

ckent@sunsentinel.com, 954-356-4662 or Twitter @mindingyourbiz

MEMORIAL HEALTHCARE SYSTEM/COURTESY Jeff Sturman is senior vice president and chief information officer at Memorial Healthcare System, in Hollywood.