Women have played integral roles in healthcare as professionals, caregivers, and leaders, contributing significantly to the advancement of medical science and the provision of quality patient care. But they aren’t always recognized for their hard work. Organizations like the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and Women In Technology of Tennessee (WITT) hope to change that, with a dedication to advancing gender equity and promoting opportunities for women and girls in education, the workplace, and society at large.
The AAUW chooses their scholarship recipients very carefully, and they only choose individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication, talent, and potential in their respective fields, empowering women to break barriers and make remarkable contributions to healthcare informatics and beyond.
One such individual is Gbemisola Elizabeth Akinteye, a trailblazer in healthcare informatics who is paving the way for women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). These academic and professional disciplines are closely related and often integrated, and STEM fields encompass a wide range of subjects and activities that involve scientific research, technology development, engineering design, and mathematical analysis. These disciplines are critical drivers of innovation and technological advancements in various industries.
This is why the industry needs women like Akinteye, an AAUW scholarship recipient, who embodies the spirit of female empowerment while making significant strides in the field of healthcare informatics. Her story is one of resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to fostering gender diversity in technology-driven industries.
Supporting Women in STEM Industries
Gbemisola’s journey transcends her academic achievements and extends to her advocacy for women in STEM as she actively participates in conferences like the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). Her involvement in these events serves as an inspiration to aspiring female technologists, showcasing the possibilities and opportunities that await them in traditionally male-dominated fields.
“Uplifting women in STEM isn’t just about gender equality,” Gbemisola emphasizes. “It’s about tapping into a vast pool of talent and perspectives that can drive innovation and solve some of the most pressing challenges in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.”
As a proud member of the AAUW and the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, Gbemisola plays a pivotal role in supporting and mentoring young women pursuing careers in STEM. Her scholarship from AAUW serves as a testament to her dedication to the advancement of women in technology. As she actively engages with these organizations, she is creating a network of support and mentorship for the next generation of female leaders in healthcare informatics.
Healthcare Informatics
Gbemisola’s work in healthcare informatics is a testament to her dedication and passion for the field. Her accomplishments, awards, recognitions, and project successes speak volumes about her expertise and contributions. Her academic pursuits include a Master of Science degree in Healthcare Informatics. Additionally, she is pursuing a Master of Business Administration, with a focus on implementing Lean Management Principles for Process Improvement and Efficiency in the healthcare industry in the US.
“Lean Management Principles hold the promise to revolutionize the healthcare industry by streamlining processes, reducing waste, and ultimately enhancing the efficiency and quality of patient care,” Gbemisola states.
One of her notable achievements is her membership in esteemed professional associations such as the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), the American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA), the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), and the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS). These affiliations have provided her with valuable insights, networking opportunities, and a platform to showcase her expertise.
Advice to Aspiring Women in Informatics
Gbemisola’s journey is an inspiration to young women aspiring to make their mark in healthcare informatics. “Success to me is more than just accomplishing a goal,” she says. “It also involves a process of ongoing learning, adjusting to difficulties, and retaining the willpower to face problems head-on and, in the end, overcoming challenges and experiencing a total evolution in the path of achieving one’s goal.”
These words of wisdom offer invaluable guidance. In addition, she emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurship, which she defines as the capacity to transform an original idea into a practical and significant reality, proffering solutions and value that answers common and uncommon problems and in a better way.
“Working in healthcare informatics draws many parallels with starting and running a successful business,” Gbemisola relates. “I hope that this example will resonate with other women, both in the US and abroad, who seek to break barriers and create meaningful change in all STEM industries – and specifically within healthcare informatics. It takes hard work, continuous learning, and constant innovation.”
A Multi-Disciplinary Approach
Gbemisola Elizabeth Akinteye’s experience encompasses so many different fields: microbiology, quality assurance, life/health Insurance, public health, and – of course – healthcare informatics. This multi-faceted background including her personal achievements is a symbol of empowerment for women in STEM industries. She remains committed to championing women’s causes in technology-driven fields; and through her active participation in conferences, mentorship roles, and affiliations with prestigious organizations, she is shaping the future of female leaders in healthcare informatics.
“My vision for the future of healthcare involves leveraging technology to collect and analyze data and ultimately improve patient outcomes,” Gbemisola shares. “Over the next five years, I plan to utilize my multidisciplinary background and advanced education to play a pivotal role in driving innovative solutions that bridge the gap between technology and healthcare delivery.”
Gbemisola’s story serves as an inspiration for all, reminding us that with determination, mentorship, and a commitment to gender diversity, we can empower more women to excel in STEM and drive transformative change in healthcare through technological advancements.
Learn more: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbemisola-akinteye-b029b592/