Dietitian wins Clinical Informatics Leadership Award 2023

eHealthNews.nz: Clinical Informatics

Dietitian wins Clinical Informatics Leadership Award 2023

Sunday, 3 December 2023

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NEWS - eHealthNews.nz editor Rebecca McBeth

A dietitian with a specialist interest in epilepsy and ketogenic diets has won the 2023 Clinical Informatics Leadership Award.

In its fifth year, the Clinical Informatics Leadership Award recognises the leadership, mahi and achievements of clinicians working in the field of data and digital health.

Charlene Tan-Smith is Allied Health clinical informatics lead, Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Canterbury and Te Tai o Poutini West Coast.

The judges said she demonstrates the ability to think creatively at the strategic level while also solving problems systematically at the micro level.

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Her project work at Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Canterbury includes the use of a closed-loop digital referral acknowledgement system, passive data gathering, and dashboard reporting for Allied Health operational visibility.

She is also the clinical lead for the South Island Ketogenic Service, and clinical director and co-founder of KetoSuite, a digital tool that aids ketogenic practitioners in New Zealand, Canada and the United Kingdom.

Te Whatu Ora chief data and digital Leigh Donoghue presented the trophy to Tan-Smith at Digital Health Week in Hamilton on November 30, 2023.

Tan-Smith said she had not expected to win, as she was up against two other strong finalists; Emma Collins, senior professional practice, Women's and Children's Health, Otago University and John Conneely, quality systems manager, Te Whatu Ora Te Matu Māui Hawkes Bay

"I am so proud to be representing Allied Health. I am grateful to have amazing teams around me including my e-health and CCDM teams. This award is recognition of their hard work."

More than 1000 public votes were cast to select the winner, who receives a free pass and speaking slot at Digital Health Week 2024 and $5000 from Accenture, to fund further study or attend a conference.

Charlene Tan-Smith and Will Reedy Accenture Aotearoa managing director health Will Reedy congratulated Tan-Smith on winning the Award.

“As a leader, she has worked tirelessly to bridge the divide between hospital and community services in partnership with Māori to champion codesigned solutions,” he said.

“I am looking forward to hearing from Tan-Smith at HiNZ 2024 on how the CiLN Award has contributed to Aotearoa’s health system transformation journey. He waka eke noa – we are all in this together.”

Read Tan-Smith’s profile on eHealthNews.nz.