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Matt Hou

  • Degree: Bachelor of Applied Science (Health Information Management)
  • Graduated: April, 2000
  • Position: Database Manager
  • Employer: Family Medicine Research Centre, University of Sydney

What attracted you to Health Information Management?
The range of subjects it covers which included computer systems, management and medical science. It provided the student with future opportunities to work in many fields including information technology, the health sector and private industries.

What did you think of the HIM course?
Very interesting. The range of subjects undertaken allows graduates to work in many different fields shown by the increase demand of health information managers in 'non-traditional' areas. Subjects like research project makes the student appreciate what Health Information Management is all about giving them a good understanding of the profession. The remuneration packages offered after graduation are very good. Lecturers are approachable, which makes the learning experience much more interesting and easier.

What kind of work does your position involve?

  • Management of National BEACH database Collection 100,000 general practice encounter activity data across Australia per annum
  • Ensure data integrity in the database
  • Update the front end and back end of the database according to the data input
  • Development of databases for specific research projects, currently the Pathology Project for Department of Age and Health Care
  • Provision of classification support for ICPC 2 Plus National Health Survey 2001-2004 for Australian Bureau of Statistics
  • Updating the end users of the classification
  • Provision of desktop support
  • Provision of network support Monitoring of server activities including backup/restore, virus signatures, faults etc
  • Monitoring of mail server
  • Assist in the collaboration of the network switch over from WSAHS to The University of Sydney
  • Website management Update of online research reports
  • Assist in the website host switch over
  • Education of coding staff
  • Respond to any coding queries of coding staff
  • Arrange coder education session on database and classification changes

What is the best aspect of your current job?
The vast range of tasks which ensures a challenging aspect for my role. The flexibility of working hours and my independence. Liaising with various IT professionals, boosting my understanding of information technology, and information management.

What are your future career goals?
I would like to advance in the IT industry - in the area of project management.

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