We Are HIMSS Member Spotlight: Cletis Earle

At HIMSS, our members are the heart of our organization, made up of more than 100,000 individuals, 480 provider organizations, 470 non-profit partners and 650 health services organizations. Because their contributions are essential to our success, we seek to recognize their many accomplishments across title, worksite, region and career stage. Today and every day, we celebrate the essential endeavors of these health information and technology changemakers. #wearehimss

Cletus Earle is an ambassador on the Global Health Equity Network Advisory Task Force and a member of the HIMSS Delaware Valley Chapter.

Cletis Earle, CHCIO
SVP/CIO
Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine

What do you see as the future of health information and technology? Where do you think the industry can/will go?

I see a greater emphasis on the use of machine learning to help our providers determine better pathways of care. These tools will help augment and enhance both quality of care and the patient experience.

What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve encountered?

We still have a culture war between the way things have always been and the new way of doing things. If we do not break this status quo, we will always deliver sub-par solutions to our industry.

What are some words of advice for others in your profession?

This is one of the best industries to be in. I still consider it a green-field opportunity – it has only been a few years since we truly accepted the EMR as a robust tool. There are now countless scenarios to use a "goldmine" of data to provide people with the best results. The time is now, to have the best talent assist us on the next leg of this digital transformation journey.

What has surprised you most about working in health information and technology?

This is an industry where I can truly make a difference in the outcomes of improving the health of communities.

If you could do anything for the rest of your life, what would that be?

I’d be an innovator. I love to be able to bring things to life and make a difference in the world.