Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Frederick Health

Jackie Rice

Jackie Rice is a seasoned professional who has excelled in the hospital and health care sector. With a wealth of experience, Jackie currently serves as the Vice President and CIO at Frederick Health. She has showcased expertise in healthcare, healthcare IT, project management, relationship management, and physician relations.

With your extensive experience in the field, how would you say the industry has evolved over time?

In the past decade, the focus of information services primarily revolved around maintaining infrastructure, ensuring internet connectivity, and server stability. It involved project-based work aimed at sustaining operations. However, over the last five years, there has been a notable shift towards a more strategic role for information services. We now actively collaborate with organizational leaders and act as a crucial backbone for the entire institution. While we continue to handle infrastructure-related tasks, we also participate in strategic projects that have a technical component. With the emergence of cloud computing, we engage in partnerships to implement necessary solutions while prioritizing patient needs and the requirements of caregivers and providers. Moreover, cybersecurity has gained immense significance. Previously, a single person would handle privacy and security matters, but now the landscape has significantly changed. The primary risk we face is cyber attacks, which can have substantial financial implications for the organization and, more importantly, impact patient care. As trusted members of the community responsible for safeguarding patient data, we take cybersecurity very seriously and recognize the increasing vulnerability in recent years.

“By working strategically with our partners across the organization, we prioritize the most important goals and ensure we are actively working towards achieving them.”

Given the industry's evolving landscape and the persistent risks that continue to arise, I would like to know what strategies you believe are most effective in combating these challenges. As a Vice President and Chief Information Officer, what approaches do you employ to address these issues and propel your team forward?

As information services, we prioritize being strategic partners within the organization. It is crucial for us to understand the evolving needs and collaborate on developing forward-thinking strategies. Staying updated with the latest industry trends is vital, which is why we actively engage with organizations such as HIMSS, CHIME, and various security organizations. We maintain relationships with our assigned FBI agent in Maryland and participate in these groups to stay informed. Alignment and collaboration are essential, especially when it comes to budgeting, as technology can be costly. By working strategically with our partners across the organization, we prioritize the most important goals and ensure we are actively working towards achieving them.

From your perspective, what are some of the technologies that are currently making a significant impact on the industry as a whole? Could you provide some insights into this topic?

One of the impactful technologies in the industry today is our Precision Medicine & Genetics service. This service line focuses on incorporating discrete genetic data for personalized care, and it has become a flagship initiative at our organization. With a dedicated steering committee, our goal is to provide individuals in our community with the ability to receive personalized care based on their genetic information. This approach complements traditional vital signs and imaging assessments, allowing us to tailor treatments to specific genetic profiles. The use of genetics in healthcare can have significant implications, such as identifying optimal chemotherapy options for cancer patients and ensuring individuals receive the appropriate medications for conditions like mental illness. By leveraging genetic information, we aim to improve patient outcomes, prevent adverse events, and enhance overall well-being. The Precision Medicine & Genetics initiative represents a significant advancement in our industry.