Work history and experience?

"I graduated from the University of Vermont School of Nursing in 1986. I have changed organizations and roles numerous times, working in both small and large academic medical centers in a variety of roles, including floor nursing, management, and education. In 2007, I changed focus to CDI and began a new program at a small hospital in North Carolina and then combined my love for education and CDI when I started at HCPro in 2013."

Where does the passion come from?

"I thoroughly love ACDIS and its ability to support and guide the profession. It has been so exciting to see how the profession has grown since its early years. I remember in 2008 accidently coming upon the ACDIS blog and reading. I honestly thought I was the only CDI in the world and it was wonderful to see there was this entire association solely focused on CDI. I loved that everyone I met was willing to share and educate and was completely excited to be part of “that world.” Now working as the Director, I see my mission is to make sure everyone has that experience with our association and that we are here to offer support to both the new, novice CDIs, as well as those working to expand the profession."

What does the future hold for CDI?

"It is so bright we need to wear shades! The impact of CDI has grown tremendously since the early days. CDI functions can be found in almost every setting of healthcare and our efforts to obtain an accurate story of patient complexity is now considered integral to most organizations' success. I have seen the profession grow from handwritten queries, and my manual compilation of metrics, to complex software applications, artificial intelligence, and automated tools. With these tools we better quantify what we do and what is our impact, which can only lead to increased visibility and influence within our organizations. I foresee one day a CFO taking the helm of an organization and speaking to their humble beginnings in revenue cycle management working as a CDI."

Who is Laurie when she is not
"ACDISing"?

I live in PA with my husband and my dog and cat. I have two daughters, the oldest is expecting my first grandchild in a few weeks. I love to binge watch and my likes are very eclectic. I like to cry every Tuesday evening watching “This is Us” and the oldies but goodies like the Office and Parks & Rec. I am a reader and enjoy historical fiction. I am a Star Trek Fan. Thus the dog's name: JT for James Tiberius Kirk. He knows he is in trouble when I use the full name. The cat’s name is Opie and SHE loves to attend zoom meetings and can often be found sitting on the back of my chair while working."