In this new episode of the HIMSS21 Changemaker Podcast series, a HIMSSCast production, Healthcare IT News Executive Editor Mike Miliard speaks with Sue Feldman, RN, PhD, director of the graduate programs in health informatics at University of Alabama at Birmingham.

We chat about some of her projects at UAB before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the “Map it, Zap it” coronavirus symptom tracker she has helped develop, and the GuideSafe initiative she spearheaded with support of Alabama’s governor, which has helped maintain in-person learning at schools across the state.

We also discuss her ethos of “innovation, implementation and collaboration” and learn more about new health IT projects she’s working on as we seek a new normal beyond the public health emergency.

Earlier this year, HIMSS (parent company of Healthcare IT News) named the first recipients of the Changemakers in Health Awards, meant to recognize leaders worldwide who are harnessing information and technology toward better health outcomes. Check back in the weeks and months ahead for more podcast interviews with other healthcare leaders from this year’s list.

Themes and talking points in this Changemaker Podcast episode:

• The health and safety trackers developed and stood-up quickly at UAB in March 2020
• How those tools enabled safer reopening and face-to-face learning in Alabama schools
• Lessons learned and surprises from the COVID-19 pandemic
• Why it’s important to have a “We can do this!” approach to technology challenges
• How public health crises can spur lasting innovation
• How Feldman’s experience as a nurse shapes her IT and informatics work