Member Spotlight: Mark L. Tolentino, MSN, BA, RN, NEA-BC, CPHIMS, Assistant Administrator, Kaiser Permanente and Adjunct Professor, Western University

This week’s member spotlight is Mark L. Tolentino, a recipient of the 2024 HIMSS Foundation Professional Certification Grant for Minority Professionals and Students. We’re thrilled to introduce Mark as he shares his perspective as a grant recipient and HIMSS member, along with valuable advice for other underrepresented professionals or students pursuing careers in Health Information Technology and Health Information Management.

With nearly two decades of leadership experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings at Magnet-designated acute care organizations, Mark combines his expertise in healthcare information systems and board-certified nursing leadership. His dedication to high-quality care and patient experience drives him to leverage health technology and evidence-based practices to create meaningful change. Beyond his professional life, Mark enjoys exploring the world with family and friends.

Once again, congratulations, Mark! We at HIMSS look forward to watching your continued professional growth and success.

What inspired you to pursue certification in healthcare information and technology?

Mark Tolentino: As a healthcare leader, my inspiration to pursue certification in healthcare information and technology was driven by the desire to bridge clinical care with modern technology. With the rapid evolution of healthcare, technology plays a vital role in delivering safer, more efficient, and patient-centered care. Pursuing my CPHIMS certification demonstrates my commitment to mastering the tools that drive these advancements and helps ensure alignment with industry standards.

Additionally, certification is a pathway to enhancing credibility and gaining up-to-date insights into best practices. It enables me as a leader to bring more value to the organization by improving system efficiencies, data security, and care coordination across teams.

What advice would you give others from underrepresented backgrounds pursuing a similar path?

Mark Tolentino: For others from underrepresented backgrounds pursuing a career in healthcare technology, my advice would be to embrace your unique perspective and leverage it as a strength. Your experiences bring valuable diversity to healthcare, where inclusive solutions are critical.

1. Build a Strong Network: Seek out mentors and allies, including professional organizations that support diversity in healthcare and technology. Networking can open doors, provide support, and introduce you to resources specific to your background.
2. Stay Committed to Lifelong Learning: Technology evolves quickly, so keep learning and investing in certifications, courses, and workshops. Specialized certifications like the CPHIMS can open doors to roles that require niche expertise.
3. Advocate for Your Voice: Don't shy away from sharing ideas that reflect the needs of your community. Bring your experiences into conversations about patient care, access, and health equity. This perspective can drive impactful change.
4. Seek Out Visibility Opportunities: Volunteering, presenting, and participating in panels can give you a platform to highlight your insights and show others the value of diverse voices in the field.
5. Give Back: As you progress, mentor others from similar backgrounds. Paying it forward builds a supportive community and helps uplift the next generation.

By combining these strategies, you not only strengthen your position in healthcare technology but also become a force for positive change in the industry.

What excites you the most about being part of the HIMSS community?

Mark Tolentino: Being part of the HIMSS community is incredibly exciting because it connects me with a network of professionals who are as passionate about transforming healthcare through technology as I am. HIMSS offers a space to collaborate on innovative solutions and stay on top of emerging trends like artificial intelligence, data analytics, and interoperability.

I’m particularly inspired by HIMSS’s commitment to advancing health equity and global health. The community promotes initiatives that bridge gaps in care, improve outcomes, and empower patients, aligning with my own goals to make healthcare more inclusive and accessible.

Additionally, the wealth of learning resources, conferences, and peer interactions in the HIMSS community are invaluable. They provide a platform to share knowledge, stay current with best practices, and develop skills that directly impact my work in healthcare leadership.