WVU HIIM student receives statewide recognition for academic achievement

Brooklynn Deitz, a student in the Health Informatics and Information Management (HIIM) program at the West Virginia University School of Medicine, has been recognized with two separate awards from professional organizations in the health information field.

Deitz received the West Virginia Health Information Management Association (WVHIMA) Academic Achievement Award at the organization’s annual convention. The award recognizes academic achievement and provides financial assistance to students preparing for certification exams like the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA).

She was also honored as the recipient of the 2025 West Virginia Chapter of Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) Scholarship. This $1000 scholarship includes membership in the WVHIMSS Student Committee and recognizes students with the potential for future leadership roles in the industry. 

“These awards will help ease my stress financially as a college student and support the work I’ve done so far,” Deitz said. “My professors were the ones who brought the scholarships to my attention, and I’m thankful for their support and guidance.”

Deitz chose HIIM because she wanted to be a part of the medical field without working in direct patient care. She hopes to work on the administrative side of healthcare, applying the skills and knowledge she’s gained through the program to improve systems and support patient outcomes behind the scenes.

A highlight of the program for Dietz has been the flexible format, with courses being offered in a mix of delivery formats for upperclassmen.

“It’s very flexible with my schedule, so I can either attend live via Collaborate, watch the class recording or attend in person,” she said.

In addition to focusing on opportunities for academic development and professional engagement in state and regional organizations, students also gain hands-on experience through professional practice placements with the program’s partners within WVU Medicine, the state’s largest healthcare system. 

“WVU has laid the foundation of my academic and professional career, and I appreciate the resources and mentorship I’ve received during my time in the program,” she said.

The HIIM program, which is the first and only bachelor’s degree of its kind in West Virginia, blends business, healthcare and information technology. For more information, visit medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/hiim/.