Throughout the history of the KU health information management program, we've looked for ways to apply current knowledge and applied learnings to improve the lives of individuals and communities in Kansas and beyond. Through this vision, we strive to provide our students with the necessary tools to play a pioneering role in health information management.

Mission

The KU Department of Health Information Management improves lives and communities through partnership with our students and innovation in all we do.

Vision

To lead the nation in caring, healing, teaching, and discovering through a pioneering role in health information management.

Values

• Integrity: We expect professionalism from our faculty, staff and students, and all aspects of our work are underscored by ethical conduct.
• Respect: We value and embrace the variety of characteristics, qualities, experiences and ideas that contribute to well-being and belonging and that enrich our department and community.
• Innovation: We embrace creativity, exploration, life-long learning and the opportunity to discover with open, future-focused minds.
• Stewardship: We use our time, talents and resources responsibly to best serve others and our profession.
• Excellence: We deliver quality in all we do, in collaboration with our students, colleagues and the communities we serve.

Department History

• In 1971, Three students enroll in the post-baccalaureate certificate program that was precursor to health information management. It was named medical record administration at the time.
• In 1974, the Department of Medical Record Administration joined the then-new School of Allied Health, known today known as the School of Health Professions on the University of Kansas Medical Center campus in Kansas City, Kan.
• During the 1970's the HIM program transitioned to an undergraduate degree.
• In 1978, the first students graduated with a bachelor's degree in HIM.
• In the late 1970s, the degree required three years of undergraduate study followed by 12 months of health information management coursework.
• May 2002 saw the last class of students graduate from the 12-month program format. Since that time, the health information management curriculum has become a 24-month program preceded by two years of undergraduate prerequisites. 

Department Leadership

• Ann Gioiosa started the medical record administration program and served as its first chair until 1978.
• Sue Malone served as department chair from 1980 to 1995, followed by Alice Junghans.
• From 2000 to 2002, Don Kellogg led the program.
• Karl Koob served as program director until 2012, when Norb Belz was appointed to the position that later evolved to a chair position.
• Rosann McLean was appointed department chair July 1, 2018.