Jo-Anne Sietz

 I'm excited to share my passion for leveraging technology to achieve better outcomes in patient care. As an Associate Director of Clinical Applications, I've seen firsthand the incredible impact that innovative solutions can have on healthcare.

As an  Associate Director of Clinical Applications, I play a significant role in the healthcare's organizations within Rowan's clinics. My primary responsibility is to oversee and manage the implementation, maintenance, and optimization of clinical software applications used in ambulatory patient care.

I am responsible for the selection, deployment, and management of clinical software applications. This includes electronic health records (EHRs), practice management software, computerized physician order entry (CPOE) systems, clinical decision support tools, and other healthcare-related software.

I oversee the planning and execution of software implementation projects. This involves coordinating with various stakeholders, including clinicians, IT staff, vendors, and administrators, to ensure a smooth and successful rollout of clinical applications.

I conduct implementations, focus on optimizing the use of clinical applications to improve patient care, streamline workflows, and enhance the overall efficiency of healthcare processes. Works closely with end-users to identify areas for improvement and develop strategies for optimization.

I ensure that clinical applications comply with relevant healthcare regulations and standards. Also, stay updated on changing regulations and work to ensure ongoing compliance.

I  oversee training programs for healthcare staff to ensure they are proficient in using clinical applications. Provides ongoing support to end-users, troubleshoots issues, and liaises with IT support teams or vendors when necessary.

I work closely with software vendors. Negotiates contracts, manage vendor relationships, and collaborate on software updates and enhancements.

I ensure that clinical data is accurate, secure, and accessible when needed.
I  participate in quality improvement initiatives by using data from clinical applications to identify areas for improvement in patient care and clinical processes.

I collaborate with senior leadership to align the use of clinical applications with the organization's strategic goals and objectives.

I manage change within a healthcare organization.

A Bachelor of General Studies is a highly adaptable undergraduate degree that is well-suited for students like me who have a wide range of academic interests and diverse career goals.

One of the most appealing aspects of the program was that it emphasizes interdisciplinary learning. This approach allowed me to customize my curriculum according to my unique interests and future career aspirations. I appreciated the freedom to explore various academic domains within that framework.

Additionally, I saw great value in the foundational core courses that were typically required in general studies programs. Those courses focused on developing essential skills such as critical thinking, effective communication, and research capabilities, which I believed would be beneficial in both my academic and professional pursuits.

I understood that graduates of general studies programs often acquired a diverse set of transferable skills, including problem-solving, adaptability, strong communication abilities, and critical thinking. These skills, in my opinion, had broad applicability across various professional fields and could significantly enhance my employability.

I appreciated that general studies degrees typically offered flexibility in terms of class scheduling, including options for part-time or online study. That flexibility, from my standpoint, made the program accessible to a broad range of students, including working adults like me who aimed to further their education while juggling other commitments.

My BA in General studies allowed me to focus on my passion for healthcare technology, no such degree existed when I attended college.