Diane Keogh
Chief Information Officer
Newton-Wellesley Hospital
Nominated by: Melissa Rancourt
Excerpt from nomination: "Diane Keogh is the chief information officer (CIO) at Newton-Wellesley Hospital in Newton, Massachusetts. She is responsible for the network integration and dissemination of clinical information throughout the Newton-Wellesley Hospital system. Diane has over 18 years of experience in the development and implementation of administrative, financial, and clinical information systems including nine years working at NWH in the development of their integrated Hospital Information System. Diane's technological vision has brought NWH to the healthcare forefront of automated systems and continues to help the hospital lead the way. Through her leadership, the Information Services Department has developed into a centralized source of computer information that any individual in the organization can draw upon. Her vision for the physician and nursing community has driven the instantaneous availability for patient care information. The impact of Diane Keogh's leadership of new technology has been and continues to be increased operational efficiencies and better patient care."
What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
My first "real" job was as a cashier in the patient accounting
department at Anaheim General Hospital in Anaheim, California. I
was 19 years old and had absolutely no experience but somehow I
made it through the interview and convinced the manger that I wanted the job
more than anything else in the world (which was
true). Little did I know that this was going to be the beginning
of my career in healthcare information systems. The thing I learned
was that if you want something bad enough and work hard enough
almost anything is possible.
Who is your hero, mentor or person you most admire? Why?
My parents are my heroes for the simple reason that they never gave
up on me during my adolescence.
My mentor was my very first boss at Anaheim General Hospital,
Sigrie Desaro, because she gave me the change and the support
that I needed to move forward in my career.
What is your favorite book?
Too many good books to just pick one. My favorite author is
John Steinbeck
What advances in your field do you envision over the next 10 years?
The major advancements in healthcare IT will allow the consumer to
become more actively involved in their own care and the care of
their families. Easier access to knowledge and information will allow the
average consumer to make more informed decisions about care. There will also
be a much better way for the patient and the
provider to communicate via the Internet rather then taking the
time to make a doctors appointment for everything.
What do you see as the single most interesting element of your work?
Dealing with the rapid changes in technology and helping our
users adapt with the changes
What was your greatest challenge and what did you learn from it?
My biggest challenge by far is working with physicians and other
providers in the automation of clinical processes. I spent the
first 10 years of my career working with financial systems
within healthcare and I quickly learned that the "care" side
was very unique. IT within the healthcare environment is
nothing like any other industry.
What strategies do you use to maintain balance in your life?
Dealing with my career and my 10 year old son forces me to
lead a very organized and structured life. I find it essential
to do the things my mothers always told me - eat right and get
plenty of sleep!
What advice would you give to young women who want to enter your field?
Do not focus 100% of your attention on technology. Everything that
we are doing involves working with people and helping people deal
and take advantage of change. With this in mind, make sure you
pay attention on your psych courses!
