October 18, 2007

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Two faculty in the UAB (University of Alabama at Birmingham) Department of Health Services Administration in the School of Health Professions, were honored by the American Health Information Management Association for achievement in health information management. The annual awards were made at AHIMA’s 79th Convention in Philadelphia.

Sara Grostick, M.A., RHIA, FAHIMA, associate professor of health information management, is the recipient of the 2007 Educator award. Grostick was honored for her leadership in transitioning UAB’s traditional HIM program into an online/distance program that met the needs of students. She also played a key role in developing a graduate-level program in health informatics. Grostick was also the co-editor of the textbook Health Information: Management of a Strategic Resource.

Shannon Houser, Ph.D., MPH, RHIA,, assistant professor of health information management, received the 2007 Research award. Well-known within and beyond the HIM profession, Houser is engaged in many professional activities. Houser serves the profession as a scholar and professor in UAB’s HIM program. In addition to her teaching duties, Houser is co-investigator of three research projects related to HIM methodologies and longitudinal patient follow up for various diseases and conditions.

The UAB School of Health Professions is one of the largest health professions schools in the nation with 21 innovative programs at the baccalaureate, masters, and doctoral degree levels within six departments.

AHIMA is the leading professional association for health information management representing more than 51,000 specially educated and certified professionals, working throughout the healthcare industry. HIM professionals serve healthcare and the public by managing, analyzing, and utilizing data vital for health system management.