The annual Florida Health Information Management Association (FHIMA) state convention took place July 29th- August 1, 2018 at Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Resort in Orlando, and St. Petersburg College had a strong presence this year. SPC adjunct Denise Fonzo, Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), was presented with the Educator of the Year award.

Fonzo, who began her career in 1970, had many opportunities to expand her knowledge base, which, she says, grew her interest and allowed her to impart her wisdom to others. In 1992, Denise earned her RHIT after completing American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Independent Study, and earned her Associate Degree at St. Petersburg College. She began teaching as an Adjunct at SPC in 1999.

She regularly mentors students at HCA Northside Hospital in her role as Director of HIM. She is President Elect of her local Health Information Management Association, and is Past President of Gulf Coast Health Information Management Association. Denise has worked to bring meaningful and diverse educational opportunities to the local members, as well as to explore and present information to new professionals. Denise also served as chairperson for the State Advocacy Committee and assisted in the education of state legislators and students during the 2018 Hill Day in Tallahassee.

Denise has always felt a need to give back to the profession that has served her life well. Always learning and always sharing is her way of life. We are honored to have her as part of our HIT Team!

Also representing SPC at the conference was Cortnie Simmons, MHA, RHIA, CCS, CDIP, PMP, the current President of the Association. Cortnie has been teaching for SPC since January 2018. She did a wonderful job leading us into new HIM dimensions!

SPC Adjunct James Pfeiffer presented the sessions, “It Takes Heart to Code” and “Wounds that Heal”. He also hosted a CCS Exam Prep workshop. I was able to stop in for just a few minutes and he introduced me to his class and asked the students to consider pursuing their Associate degree in HIT at SPC. He then followed that up with a hearty- GO, TITANS!

Other SPC adjuncts in attendance were Raeanna Bonetti, MS, RHIT, CPC, and Joan Warner, RHIT, CCS.