ISU Career Path Internship Supervisor of the Semester is Velma Payne

“What I enjoy about the CPI program is the fact that students are able to get out into real world health care settings,” Payne said. “My CPI students are able to see the day-to-day workings of health informatics, how providers use health care information, and how the student’s work can help improve the point of care for patients.”

A dynamic and growing field, health informatics combines information technology with medical, social and behavioral science to transform data into knowledge that will empower health care providers to make informed medical decisions, enhance outcomes, advance medical research, empower patients and enrich society, Payne said. Health informatics is changing the practice and delivery of health care by providing technology-enriched solutions to enhance medical decision-making within the health care system.

Payne said she is pleased to announce that Idaho State University’s Health Informatics program has recently launched a Master of Science Degree in health informatics, which will provide its students with the skills needed to succeed in the health informatics industry. All students complete internships that emphasize real-world experience and allow students to make valuable professional connections.

“During their internships, my students are able to work with health care providers to see how and when they use health care data,” Payne said. “This allows them to understand how health care data could be more effectively managed.”

Payne has developed CPI internships in the past with hospitals such as Bingham Memorial and Steele Memorial and hopes to develop opportunities in the Treasure Valley in the near future. 

Originally from Pennsylvania, Payne holds degrees from the University of Pittsburgh, Robert Morris University and Oral Roberts University. Payne completed her health informatics postdoctorate in Houston, Texas. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking and biking.

This semester, the CPI Office received more than 110 nominations for the CPI Supervisor of the Semester. In addition to the grand prizewinner, the CPI Office selected five runners up: Alison Duffin, Advantage Plus Credit Union; Dan Cravens, ISU Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development; Melody Weaver, ISU College of Nursing; Josh Swift, ISU Department of Psychology; and Lisa McDougall, ISU Molecular Research Core Facility.

“The outpouring of nominations for this semester's CPI award indicates to me that our students are benefitting from exemplary CPI supervisors,” said Emily Jahsman, associate director of the ISU Career Center. “Any truly impactful internship cannot occur without an excellent supervisor who can act as a mentor and guide. We are very appreciative of all our past, present, and future CPI supervisors.”

Operating in its 10th year, the CPI program provides approximately 1,000 paid internship opportunities annually to ISU students. CPI internships provide career-related experiences to help students confirm their academic pursuits, gain valuable work experience, and prepare them for life after graduation. For more information about the CPI program visit isu.edu/career.