Ep 16: Susan Heichert: CIO Builds Her Career on Joy

In this episode, we chat with Susan Heichert, Senior Vice President and CIO of Allina Health. Susan first started in the health IT world by entering nursing school. She practiced nursing for several years, and suggests it as a great route towards health leadership positions.

Susan now manages over 550 people as the CIO of health systems in their information services department, including medical records, and also clinical engineering (often known as biomed) services. She shares her journey, which led her to explore many realms across technology and the globe.

Susan chats with us abouton:

• Her first Apple II computer, and technology role installing clinical applications


• How her master’s in industrial relations gave her leadership skills


• How she’s approached taking new opportunities as she and her husband relocated around the US and lived for two years in China


• Characteristics that have helped her in the healthcare IT world


• Advice for women wanting to move up in management and leadership positions

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