I am so grateful the theme for this convention is “Passion for the Profession” because I truly have a passion for our profession.  I’m also grateful I won this year because Chris Metheny is our president, a past distinguished member, and we graduated together long ago in 1986.  As I looked on the website at the previous recipients of this award, I never imagined I would be included in this elite group of HIM professionals.  I came into the HIM field “as a fluke”, as a Radiology Tech school reject.  Fairmont State College (as it was called then) recommended the HIT program to me versus a medical secretary program.  I chose HIT and my life changed drastically.  I developed a passion for the profession immediately.  I got into West Virginia Medical Record Association (as it was called then) late in my professional life.  I felt I needed more experience before I got involved.  Since that time, I have met a great group of people who have mentored and encouraged me along the way.  I thank you all.  I never dreamed as I sat in Sister Marie’s class listening to Days of Our Lives on the radio, that I would one day be responsible for the education of future HIT professionals.  I hope I am a positive influence to our students who may have ended up in HIT “as a fluke” themselves.  Maybe they will aspire a passion for the profession as I have.  I hope one day one of them will be standing here accepting the distinguished member award and influencing future students.  If my dream comes true, they will stand here and acknowledge me as their mentor.

Thank you!  I really am shocked and humbled by this award.

Amy Cunningham