Posted on February 10, 2023

In recognition of Black History Month, I'd like to highlight the importance and impact of African American CIOs in healthcare.

African American CIOs in healthcare have been making a big impact in the industry in recent years. These CIOs are responsible for leading the development of technology strategies and initiatives that enable healthcare organizations to remain competitive, improve patient outcomes, and reduce costs. They are also responsible for managing the IT infrastructure and ensuring that it is secure, reliable, and cost-effective. African American CIOs are also playing a key role in helping healthcare organizations to better understand and serve the needs of their diverse patient populations. Their leadership and expertise is helping to bridge the gap between healthcare providers and the African American community, and to create a more equitable healthcare system.

Recent research conducted by Zippia, estimates the most common ethnicity among chief information officers is White, which makes up 76.9% of all chief information officers (estimates are for all industries including healthcare). Comparatively, there are 7.5% of the Hispanic or Latino ethnicity and 7.4% of the Asian ethnicity.  Black or African Americans represent approximately 3.7% of all CIOs employed in the US. These estimates were based on data gathered and verified against U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Census, and current job openings data for accuracy.

African American CIOs in the healthcare industry face a unique set of challenges. As a minority group, they are often underrepresented in leadership roles and have to work harder to prove their worth. They may also have to deal with unconscious bias or even outright racism from colleagues and clients. Additionally, they may have to work harder to gain the trust of their teams and build relationships with other leaders in the healthcare sector. They may also have to navigate the complexities of the healthcare system, which can be difficult to understand and maneuver. Finally, African American CIOs may have to work to ensure their voices are heard and their ideas are taken seriously in the healthcare industry.

The industry should continue its efforts to support the concept of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) for healthcare leaders. DEI is an important part of creating a healthcare system that is equitable and accessible to all. Healthcare leaders have a responsibility to ensure that their organization is welcoming and inclusive of all people, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other factor. This means creating policies and practices that recognize and respect the unique experiences of each individual, and actively working to eliminate any barriers to access or opportunity. By embracing DEI, healthcare leaders can create a more equitable and just healthcare system for everyone.

Mentoring African American CIOs in healthcare can be an invaluable asset to the industry. It can help to bridge the gap between healthcare providers, administrators, and technology professionals. Mentoring minority CIOs can provide them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to be successful in their roles. It can also help to foster a sense of community and collaboration within the healthcare industry. Additionally, mentoring African American CIOs can help to increase diversity within the healthcare technology field and provide a platform for minority CIOs to share their unique perspectives and experiences. Ultimately, mentoring these high potential leaders in healthcare can help to create a more inclusive healthcare system.

I’m pleased to see the growth of professional associations such as NAHSE (National Association Of Healthcare Service Executives), ITSMF (Information Technology Senior Management Forum) and CHIME (College Of Healthcare Information Management Executives) that provide education and support to African American CIOs. These organizations provide a platform for minority CIOs to come together, share their experiences, and collaborate to further their professional development and career advancement. These associations also provide a space for African American CIOs to connect with other professionals in the field and build a strong network of support. By joining a professional association, African American CIOs can gain access to resources, educational opportunities, and mentorship that can help them succeed in their career.

It's encouraging to see that progress is being made in increasing the percentage of minorities and women in healthcare leadership positions. However, more can certainly be done to further this progress. With the right policies and initiatives in place, we can ensure that more individuals from diverse backgrounds are given the opportunity to take on leadership roles in the healthcare sector. This will not only help to create a more inclusive and equitable workplace, but also enable us to benefit from the unique perspectives and experiences that these individuals bring to the table.