Drawing on her extensive experience and dedication, Krystal Lewis, EdD, has been revolutionizing the health care industry through 14 years of working with the Health and Hospitals Corporation. An accomplished professional, she holds a Doctor of Education in educational technology from the University of Phoenix, a master’s degree in instructional design and educational technology from American Intercontinental University, and a bachelor’s degree in business management from St. Peter’s University. Dr. Lewis has effectively utilized her passion for education and technology to bring about positive change in her field.
Dr. Lewis began her career at the Health and Hospitals Corporation, where, today, she is the associate director. Over the years, she assumed various roles with increasing responsibilities, including senior consultant and clinical business analyst positions. These positions have primarily centered on the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system, a critical component in modern health care delivery. Her expertise in the EMR system made her an invaluable asset to her organization, enabling her to manage projects, coordinate efforts across multiple departments, provide support and training, and lead complex initiatives.
One of Dr. Lewis’s notable achievements was implementing the EMR system across the company’s eleven hospitals and several affiliated sites. This undertaking was complex as it involved transitioning from the Quadramed system to EPIC, ensuring that all facilities were updated and compliant with the latest standards for regulatory compliance—a federal mandate requiring health care providers to adhere to specific guidelines. Dr. Lewis was at the forefront of this transformation, ensuring that medication reconciliation and other critical functions were seamlessly integrated into the new system. Her efforts helped the organization secure incentives for meaningful use and align with the Merit-based Incentive Payment System, also known as MIPS.
In addition to her technical expertise, Dr. Lewis is deeply involved in cybersecurity, highlighting the importance of safeguarding sensitive information against potential cyber threats. Her responsibilities extend to working closely with human resources to facilitate the onboarding process for new employees, addressing access issues, and ensuring that everyone is equipped to use the system effectively. People often consult her on matters beyond her usual scope due to her vast expertise with the EMR system, which speaks to her knowledge and reliability.
Dr. Lewis attributes her success to her resolve and resilience, qualities shaped by her life experiences. Born with a brain tumor, she underwent multiple surgeries in her early years, facing significant challenges that required her to learn how to walk and talk again. Despite these obstacles, she never allowed her circumstances to define her. Instead, she used these setbacks to fuel her drive to succeed and inspire those around her. She believes that by overcoming personal hurdles, one can navigate the limitations imposed by the world, a philosophy that still guides her career.
Dr. Lewis’ journey is a powerful narrative of growth and learning. She believes that her medical history makes her more logical and introspective, allowing her to view her experiences uniquely. Rather than taking things personally, she analyzes situations objectively, gaining valuable insights from her mistakes. This growth mindset enables her to navigate the political landscape within her organization.
The satisfaction Dr. Lewis receives from her work stems from its beneficial effect on others. Her dedication to lifelong learning is evident in her belief that sharing knowledge empowers future generations, making them more informed and buoyant. She strongly advocates leveraging resources like books and the internet to expand understanding and gain fresh perspectives. Dr. Lewis sees her mission of continuous learning and knowledge sharing as an essential part of building stronger communities and empowering young people to face challenges. She also focuses on contributing to the growth and development of her organization and various medical fields, ensuring that technology continues to be a powerful tool for improving patient care and outcomes.
Dr. Lewis’s story is one of perseverance and growth. Her ability to rise above personal and professional problems and her unwavering commitment to education, technology, and patient care make her an exceptional leader. Her achievements are a source of immense pride – not just the milestones but her ability to navigate all the complexities of life and career with grace and determination. Her contributions to health care will leave a legacy all her own.