How long have you been using AIS?
I have been using AIS since 2008 when I attended a course in Seattle, WA to learn AIS coding to support the level III trauma designation for the facility where I began my trauma registrar career.
What inspired you to obtain CAISS credentials?
I wanted to challenge myself professionally and obtain all certifications to support my professional growth as a trauma registrar. With CAISS credentials you have a well-rounded knowledge of AIS coding rules, anatomy and medical terminology.
What are your main areas of interest in the field of injury scoring?
My main area of interest is accurate coding and report writing to assist with pediatric injury prevention research. As the pediatric trauma registrar at Stanford Health Care & Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital, my goal is to maintain coding consistency within our trauma registry. Data validation is a key component to ensure accurate and robust data for pediatric injury prevention research.
What do you find most rewarding about working in this field?
Working with a trauma team that is equally passionate about injury prevention research and improving patient outcomes.
What do you hope to accomplish while on the AIS Certification Board?
As part of the AIS Certification Board I hope to continue to learn from AIS coding experts in the field of injury scoring and be part of an integral team assisting in exam question development.
What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?
I am a huge fútbol fan and grew up playing premier league. When not working I spend my time coaching my oldest son. I love watching his skill development and his joy being a member of a team sport.
How do you think the field is changing and what trends do you see coming up on the horizon?
The field is a constant flow of change. AIS scoring continues to evolve to improve traumatic injury classification and scaling on a global severity scoring system.
What advice would you give to someone interested in CAISS credentials?
I think taking the first step by scheduling the exam is one of the hardest. I have spoken with many trauma registrars with years of AIS coding experience who want to take the CAISS exam but feel lack of professional support or haven’t gotten around to scheduling it due to their busy work schedules. I recommend studying the AIS Coding book along with the AIS Uses & Techniques course book to prepare for the exam. I hope to be a resource for those interested in CAISS credentials. Please reach out with any questions!
What’s one thing – either field-related or not – you learned in the last month?
In the last month, my colleague and I worked diligently to improve our ACS data validation along with our TQIP Benchmark drill-down process to confirm appropriateness of care. Working on these projects gave me insight of how to streamline these processes to ensure accurate data.
Is there anything else you would like to share with your colleagues?
I am honored to work with our stellar trauma team at Stanford Health Care & Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital. Thank you to my team for your endless support and encouragement of my professional growth.