This week’s member spotlight is Titus Njoku, a recipient of the 2024 HIMSS Foundation Professional Certification Grant for Minority Professionals and Students. Titus is an experienced Information Security Manager and Digital Health Specialist with over 11 years in ICT, primarily working with Nigeria's National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA). His career has been dedicated to transforming healthcare delivery through digital innovation, strongly focusing on data governance, health information exchange (HIE), and public health infrastructure. Titus has also contributed to the e-NHIA project, a large-scale digital health initiative aimed at improving healthcare accessibility and operational efficiency across Nigeria.
Titus holds a Master’s in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics, a Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science, and a Bachelor’s in Electrical Electronics Engineering (Telecoms), along with certifications such as the Certified Associate in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CAHIMS®). He also completed a Bridge to Health Informatics program at Morehouse School of Medicine and is currently training in Digital Health Technology Innovation from C-DAC India.
Passionate about using technology to address healthcare gaps, especially in underserved areas, Titus is making a significant impact in the field. Congratulations, Titus! We at HIMSS look forward to seeing your continued growth and success.
How has receiving the HIMSS Foundation Professional Certification Grant helped you on your certification journey?
Titus Njoku.O: Receiving the HIMSS Professional Certification Grant has been a major boost in my journey to excel in digital health. The financial support and access to the CAHIMS® curriculum helped deepen my understanding of healthcare information systems, especially covering critical areas like system design, implementation, security, data governance, and leadership.
As a Digital Health Implementation Specialist at the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), I have already applied these skills to impactful projects. Leading a key integration initiative, I recently achieved a 20% reduction in processing times and improved health enrollee data accuracy across 13,000+ healthcare facilities (HCPs), potentially driving a huge increase in system adoption across health insurance stakeholders within 2 months. The grant has strengthened my expertise, empowering me to drive data-driven improvements across digital health projects on a national level. The grant has been instrumental in providing me with both the expertise and confidence needed to drive impactful digital health solutions at the NHIA and beyond.
Can you share any challenges you've overcome while preparing for the certification?
Titus Njoku. O: While preparing for the CAHIMS® exam, I encountered challenges that tested my commitment and resilience, but overcoming them has made the achievement even more rewarding.
Navigating the USA-Nigeria time difference to attend HIMSS Georgia Chapter’s weekly virtual classes and program office hours was challenging. However, I prioritized these sessions, scheduling carefully to ensure I stayed connected with peers, which enhanced my knowledge and community engagement, and I came out successful.
As a full-time Digital Health Specialist and Information Security Manager at NHIA, balancing job demands along with studying was intensive. Juggling critical IT duties and preparing for the CAHIMS® exam required precise organization, allowing me to effectively meet professional and academic commitments. Thankfully, my resolve gave me constant motivation.
The journey to certification requires a great deal of self-study, and sometimes, it can be challenging to stay motivated. Without direct classroom engagement, I had to push myself to maintain the discipline needed to cover a wide range of topics. However, the support from the HIMSS community, combined with the resources available, helped me stay on track.
There were times during my preparation when I felt overwhelmed by the complexity of certain topics, and moments of self-doubt crept in. I sometimes questioned my ability to master the content, especially when juggling my career, family, and studies. However, I reminded myself of the end goal and pushed through these difficult moments by reaching out to fellow participants and leveraging the support of mentors.
Each challenge strengthened my problem-solving skills and reinforced my drive to achieve certification.
What excites you the most about being part of the HIMSS community?
Titus Njoku. O: What excites me the most about being part of the HIMSS community is being surrounded by passionate, like-minded individuals dedicated to advancing healthcare through technology. It is both inspiring and empowering.
One of the significant advantages of being part of the HIMSS community is the career development opportunities. Through continuous learning, access to webinars, and professional certifications. The support system offered by HIMSS has provided a clear roadmap for professional growth.
The HIMSS community opens doors to global opportunities, allowing me to engage with health IT initiatives worldwide. This exposure gives me a broader understanding of how healthcare challenges are being addressed in different regions (USA, India, Europe, Africa), equipping me with diverse perspectives that I can apply to improve healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
I’ve had the privilege of connecting with healthcare IT professionals, policymakers, and innovators worldwide, sharing experiences, insights, and best practices. The HIMSS global network platform provides constant collaboration opportunities; it allowed me to stay updated with the latest developments in digital health and cybersecurity and expand my professional connections, which enhances my growth as a digital health leader.
Being a member of HIMSS also gives me the opportunity to join various committees and workgroups, where I can actively contribute to the growth of health technology. Through these committees, I can engage in collaborative projects, contribute ideas, and participate in initiatives shaping the future of secured digital health technologies. This is particularly exciting because it allows me to give back to the community, influence technological advancements, and participate in shaping policies that drive innovation in healthcare.
I find great fulfillment in giving back to the HIMSS community. By sharing my insights and participating in initiatives, I can help shape policies that drive innovation and enhance healthcare for everyone. This is potentially satisfying to my professional growth.
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