Baltimore, Maryland (September 27, 2019) – The Maryland HIMSS Chapter is pleased to announce the recipients of its annual Health IT scholarship. The application process requires students to be actively enrolled in an accredited undergraduate, masters or doctorate program related to health information management systems field. Applicants are reviewed and selected based on academic achievement, personal statements, recommendations and need.

“After receiving many applications, the review committee selected two scholarship recipients who exemplify academic excellence and leadership in the healthcare information and management systems industry. We are pleased to present the Maryland HIMSS Annual Health IT 2019 award to Rodney Graves and Mike Kooser,” said Anna E. Schoenbaum, Secretary and Past Chair of Professional Development for the Maryland HIMSS Chapter, and Enterprise Director of Clinical Systems at the University of Maryland Medical System.

Rodney Graves is currently a Cybersecurity Team Lead at Greater Baltimore Medical Center in Towson, Maryland. He is enrolled in the Master Program in Professional Studies Cybersecurity at University of Maryland Baltimore County with an expected graduation date of May 2020. Upon completion of the degree, Rodney hopes to apply his knowledge to become a stronger leader who will be able to anticipate and adapt to the constant threats in the cyber world.

Mike Kooser is currently a Tier II Service Desk Supervisor at the University of Maryland Medical System in Columbia, Maryland. He is enrolled in the Business Technology Administration Program at Anne Arundel Community College. Upon graduation, Mike hopes to transfer to the University of Maryland Baltimore County to complete a bachelor degree in Business Technology Administration with goals to become an executive in healthcare technology.

(Anna E. Schoenbaum, Maryland HIMSS Chapter Secretary; Scholarship Recipients: Mike Kooser & Rodney Graves; Kathryn A. Whitmore, Maryland HIMSS Chapter President)

“Scholarships are just one of the many ways we are committed to supporting the educational enrichment of our members. We received many exceptional applicants this year and are pleased to continue growing our investment in the Maryland healthcare information and technology workforce,” noted Kathryn A. Whitmore, President of the Maryland HIMSS Chapter.

The Maryland Chapter of HIMSS is the state-wide, grass-roots group of professionals with a focus on information technology in healthcare; representing over 1,800 clinicians, allied health, government, business and technology professionals. In addition to the $2,500.00 award, recipients also receive:

• Honorary Maryland HIMSS Chapter Membership for one year
• Admittance into all Chapter Education Programs at no cost
• Appointment to a chapter committee of choice

About HIMSS (www.himss.org)

HIMSS North America, a business unit within HIMSS, positively transforms health and healthcare through the best use of information technology in the United States and Canada. As a cause-based non-profit, HIMSS North America provides thought leadership, community building, professional development, public policy, and events. HIMSS North America represents 64,000 individual members, 640 corporate members, and over 450 non-profit organizations.

About Maryland HIMSS Chapter (http://md.himsschapter.org/)

The Maryland Chapter of HIMSS is the state-wide, locally driven group of professionals with a focus on information technology in healthcare.  With over 1800 members, the chapter provides several educational events and networking forums annually, while regularly convening important industry discussions with local, state and federal agencies.  For the last five years, the Maryland Chapter has received the HIMSS Presidential Level designation for Recognition of Advocacy Award.