I was fortunate enough to have been part of the early years of AHDI (AAMT). I was around when we began the transition from volunteers to professional staff. I was around as we began to centralize operations. I was around when we launched our first big marketing project by developing the General Medicine and General Surgery Modules. When we moved the Certification Exam from a pencil and paper to an electronic test in a testing center. When we combined the Journal and the Newsletter into one publication. When we outsourced …
By Terri Wakefield, CMT
Our profession as medical documentation specialists requires us to be single-minded. However, the pressure and pace oftentimes diffuses our concentration and wanes our energy. I believe that there is a very good reason why so many in the healthcare field suffer burnout. We are often asked to go above and beyond the normal schedules in order to meet turnaround times and to help cover for those sick, taking a vacation, attending a meeting. Sometimes we are pushed (unfortunately) for production, even at the …
Sandy Shumaker, CMT, AHDI-F has been involved with AHDI for 30 years, becoming a CMT in 1980. She began Shumaker Transcription Service in Glendora, CA in 1981, celebrating her 28th year in business. Over those many years she served on the Board of Directors for the East San Gabriel Valley Chapter for AAMT and was a founding member of that chapter. She is presently serving as Secretary for the Orange County Chapter of AHDI. On a regional level, she is co-leader of the Advocacy Focus Group …
Congratulations are in order for all of our awesome AHDI-West members who received their CMT and RMT credentials in 2009…
By Maggie Armbruster, CMT, AHDI-F
AHDI-West, Legislative Liaison
When I first got into advocacy, it was for reasons other than my understanding of government doings or that I felt I had a pressing need to go to the legislators with a message. I attended for the mere reason that I wanted to go to Sacramento with my friend, Sandy, for the experience of being in Sacramento. I knew I had to go to the capitol and participate, and maybe learn something; however, I was hoping we’d finish up that …
