Member Spotlight: Steven Arendt, MD, ACO

By: Gwynne Jelbaoui, Senior Program Manager, HIMSS Clinical Informatics

The October Physician Committee member spotlight is Dr. Steven Arendt. Dr. Arendt is very passionate about patient care and the patient experience. He understands the role of technology and how it can enhance healthcare but is also very mindful of its impact to care when it isn't used properly. Dr. Arendt has served on the Physician Committee for the past 10 months and will continue into the next year. I look forward to continuing to work with him and bringing his perspective on the future of healthcare and the role informatics will have in the fast-paced environment into our deliverables next year.

Read more on Dr. Arendt's perspectives on HIT below.

During your time as a HIMSS member, how have the industry connections and relationships helped you achieve your biggest professional milestones?    

Dr. Arendt: My involvement in clinical informatics started in the mid to late 1990s.  Although I had no formal training in informatics, I was asked to provide the clinical perspective to the design of our solutions.  Through my involvement with HIMSS and the lasting connections I have made over the year, I was able to address the deficits in my knowledge of the more technical aspects of my informatics role.  I also continue to be inspired by the dedication of my colleagues in advancing the field of informatics.      

What are the benefits of a health information and technology career? Why should someone consider it?     

Dr. Arendt: My career "North Star" has always been having a positive impact on patients and patient care.  With information technology inextricably linked to health care, involvement in health information technology allows me to impact the quality of care, the outcomes, and the efficiency of care. 

What do you see as the future of health information and technology? Where do you think the industry can/will go?       

Dr. Arendt: As technology advances, I think there are some key trends that will drive our industry.  We need to remain stewards in the development of AI and machine learning.  We need to make sure that these technologies improve the health of our patients and communities.   Telemedicine and remote monitoring made huge advancements during the COVID pandemic, and we need to assure the industry continues to develop in this area.  We also need to continue pushing for standardization and interoperability of data. 

Finally, personalized medicine will become increasingly important with a heavy reliance on health information technologies.