Reflections on HIMSS

HIMSS may have been a good start, but I thought it could have been better. Expectations are higher for the healthcareIT industry than ever before and there was a buzz. But the buzz amounted more of a mix between confusion, concern, and hope whether it was with CEOs or VC/PE investors. As an executive recruiter, who mainly serves venture capital and private equity clients, there appeared to be more first time investors in attendance at this conference than in my four previous conferences. This is good for young companies looking for financial support. This is good for a segment of the software industry so often overlooked. When healthcare is over 15% of the GDP; a U.S. government is providing for a $19 billion "jump start"; and, healthcare IT spending this year according to a Gartner report will grow slightly more than 2% versus all other business IT spending either being flat or non-existence may be an opportunity or has fueled irrationale exhuberance during this Great Recession.

I will be spending a significant amount of time this year and beyond speaking with leaders in the healthcareIT arena. I will confidentially share their insights and lessons in leadership that can be applied to others hoping to tap into a rare opportunity for our healthcare system's history. Let's hope these leaders can make the impact necessary to assist in a positive change for providers, payors, and patients alike.