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Jamie Nelson
SVP & CIO at Hospital for Special Surgery
Professional Background
Jamie M. Nelson is a distinguished Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at the prestigious Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York City. With a remarkable career in healthcare, Jamie has garnered extensive experience in Information Technology leadership, hospital operations, and Lean methodologies. Her innovative contributions and strategic vision have been instrumental in driving technological advancement and organizational excellence within HSS.
In her role at HSS, Jamie has been pivotal in developing and implementing an IT strategy that is closely aligned with the hospital's strategic roadmap. A standout achievement during her tenure has been her leadership in the decision-making and implementation process for the installation of Epic, a leading electronic medical records (EMR) system, across both inpatient and ambulatory settings. This innovative initiative has resulted in HSS being recognized by Epic as part of the top 6% of successful EMR implementations. Her efforts have contributed significantly to a high standard of patient care and operational efficiency at HSS.
Under Jamie's visionary leadership, HSS reached a remarkable level of achievement in healthcare IT, becoming HIMSS Level 7 certified. This prestigious recognition is awarded to only 5% of hospitals nationwide and reflects her commitment to excellence in healthcare technology. Additionally, HSS earned the highly coveted HIMSS Davies Award, further underscoring the successful transformation of the hospital's IT landscape under Jamie's guidance.
Throughout her 7-year tenure at HSS, Jamie has played a crucial role in nurturing and rebuilding the IT function, effectively doubling the staff size and establishing key leadership positions including Chief Medical Information Officer (CMIO), Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), as well as Vice Presidents for Applications and Analytics. Jamie's comprehensive approach towards re-architecting HSS’s technical infrastructure and security systems has included implementing a modernized data and voice network alongside a robust cybersecurity program to protect sensitive healthcare data.
A particular highlight of Jamie's leadership is her commitment to enhancing the digital patient consumer experience at HSS. She has successfully led the establishment of a strong analytics team that supports HSS in providing cutting-edge digital solutions to patients, ensuring a seamless and enriching healthcare experience.
Education and Achievements
Prior to her impactful work at HSS, Jamie acquired valuable experience at several prestigious healthcare institutions and consulting firms. She held significant positions such as Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Norwalk Hospital, Vice President of Customer Care at Innovatix, and Vice President of IT at New York Presbyterian. Her earlier roles included Senior Manager at Ernst & Young and Assistant to the Director of Patient Accounts at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, providing her a well-rounded background in both operational and consulting capacities.
In terms of education, Jamie M. Nelson holds an undergraduate degree in Physical Anthropology from the University of Pennsylvania. Her pursuit of knowledge in the healthcare field led her to earn an MBA with a focus on Health Care at the esteemed Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management. This academic foundation has equipped her with a unique blend of analytical and strategic skills that she applies to her roles in healthcare IT leadership.
Jamie’s contributions to the field of healthcare technology have not gone unnoticed. She was honored as one of the Most Powerful Women in Healthcare IT by Health Data Management for three consecutive years—2017, 2018, and 2019. Additionally, she earned recognition from Crain’s New York as one of the Top Women in Information Technology in 2019, celebrating her impact and influence within the industry.
Community Engagement
In addition to her professional achievements, Jamie is also deeply committed to community service. She serves on the NYC Advisory Board of The Devereux Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with special needs. Her philanthropic efforts extend to the arts as well, where she is a major donor to the New York City Ballet—the city's premier dance company. Moreover, Jamie actively supports the Women in Technology and New York (WiTNY) initiative by offering internships to undergraduates from the City University of New York (CUNY), fostering diversity and opportunity within the tech sector.
Conclusion
With a wealth of experience, exceptional leadership qualities, and a passion for driving technological innovations in healthcare, Jamie M. Nelson is a transformative figure at the Hospital for Special Surgery. Her strategic foresight and dedication to improving healthcare IT infrastructures have positioned HSS as a leader in the industry, while her community involvement reflects her commitment to making a positive impact beyond the healthcare sector.