This week we’re excited to feature Dr. Chanique Cousins, a recipient of the 2025 HIMSS Foundation Professional Certification Grant. In this spotlight, Dr, Cousins shares shares her goals for HIMSS certification, lessons learned, and what excites her about being part of the HIMSS community.

Dr. Chanique Cousins is a physician from Kingston, Jamaica, with over nine years of clinical practice experience and a strong commitment to advancing healthcare delivery through innovation and technology. She holds a Bachelor of Medical Sciences and a Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery from the University of the West Indies and is currently pursuing a dual Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Health Administration (MHA) at Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business, alongside a Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence Business Innovation.

Dr. Cousins is certified as an Associate in Project Management (CAPM), Certified Associate in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CAHIMS), and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB), combining her expertise in project management, health IT, and process improvement.

Her leadership extends beyond academics, serving as Vice President Emeritus of Future Healthcare Executives, where she supported initiatives that strengthened student engagement, mentorship, and professional development. With a deep interest in healthcare informatics and analytics, she applies artificial intelligence and data-driven solutions to improve access, equity, and quality of care.

Her recent work includes developing dashboards for the Veterans Health Administration to close care gaps for thousands of patients, demonstrating her ability to merge clinical knowledge with digital innovation. Passionate about reshaping healthcare systems, Dr. Cousins continues to explore how emerging technologies—such as AI—can transform patient care and empower healthcare professionals to deliver efficient, ethical, and sustainable solutions.

Congratulations once again, Dr. Cousins! We at HIMSS are proud to celebrate your achievements and look forward to your continued growth and impact in the field.

Although the application period for the HIMSS Foundation Professional Certification Grant is now closed, we encourage those interested in future cohorts to visit the HIMSS Foundation website for updates on the next application period. Don’t miss the opportunity to advance your professional journey through a HIMSS certification!

HIMSS: What do you hope to achieve in your career with your CAHIMS® certification?

Dr. Chanique Cousins: As a physician with nearly a decade of clinical practice and currently a candidate at Georgia State University pursuing a dual master's in healthcare administration and business administration, as well as a graduate certificate in AI business innovation, my goal is to leverage health IT to expand access, advance equity, and improve efficiency by translating frontline insights into systems that reliably deliver safer, more consistent care for diverse communities.

Grounded in both clinical experience and advanced interdisciplinary training, I am positioned to bridge operational knowledge with technological innovation. My MBA and AI studies strengthen my ability to drive data-driven transformation, anticipate trends, and champion the adoption of equitable, effective health IT systems.

CAHIMS formalizes the competencies needed to do that work: workflow analysis, usability, privacy and security, data governance, and implementation. With this foundation, my clinical perspective is complemented by disciplined methods that reduce variation, close gaps, and turn data into actionable, user-centered improvements.

This certification also validates a commitment to continuous learning and operational excellence, helping me stand out in competitive hiring for roles at the intersection of clinical operations, informatics, and population health. Ultimately, I strive to lead and collaborate on projects where measurable outcomes and community impact set the standard for transformation in healthcare.

HIMSS: Can you share any challenges you've overcome while preparing for the certification?

Dr. Chanique Cousins: Balancing preparation with academic and personal commitments required building a deliberate study operating rhythm, time-boxed blocks on a weekly calendar, clear milestones, and predefined contingency windows to absorb inevitable schedule shocks.

The CAHIMS handbook framework was used to self-assess strengths and gaps across domains, then a front-loaded plan prioritized weaker areas first, with chapter-by-week targets and quick checks to flag slippage early.

To stay accountable, support from HIMSS programming, monthly touchpoints and reminders, was leveraged to align expectations, calibrate pace, and keep focus on exam-critical content despite competing priorities.

The net result was stronger prioritization, tighter personal project management, and a repeatable study system that reduces overwhelm, surfaces risks sooner, and keeps execution on track under time constraints.

HIMSS: What advice would you give others from underrepresented backgrounds pursuing a similar path?

Dr. Chanique Cousins: First and foremost, believe in yourself and recognize this journey as a pivotal stepping stone for your professional growth in health IT and healthcare leadership. There are no limits imposed by background or location; every experience brings a valuable perspective to improving access, equity, and efficiency in care.

It’s never too late to pivot or make a meaningful career change. Embrace lifelong learning and be open to opportunities even when they seem outside your comfort zone. Seek out mentors, professional networks, and organizational resources—such as HIMSS programming or peer groups, which provide encouragement, practical advice, and direction on overcoming unique barriers.

Celebrate every milestone, no matter how small, and let setbacks sharpen resilience rather than discourage progress. The diversity you bring is an asset to the field. By showing up authentically, advocating for equity, and committing to excellence, you can reshape the contours of healthcare and serve as an example to others considering this path.

HIMSS: What excites you the most about being part of the HIMSS community?

Dr. Chanique Cousins: What excites me most is having ongoing access to an expansive repository of educational resources and professional development opportunities tailored to health IT. HIMSS provides a dynamic ecosystem where learning is continuous and aligned with the evolving challenges and innovations in healthcare technology.

Beyond education, being part of HIMSS means joining a vibrant, global community of professionals passionate about improving healthcare through information technology. This network spans disciplines, geographies, and career stages, offering unparalleled opportunities to connect, share insights, and discover roles that drive impact.

The global reach of HIMSS also allows me to learn from diverse healthcare systems and thought leaders worldwide, broadening my perspective on how technology can enhance equity, access, and quality internationally. This combination of knowledge, community, and global insight is truly inspiring and energizes my commitment to advancing health IT solutions.