Registry Partners is excited to bring data abstraction, registry management and consulting services to your facility through our experienced and professional staff. We are dedicating this page of our site to showcase our individual team members, and their most recent accomplishments, to celebrate their hard work in their respective fields both on the behalf of your facility and your patients.
Amy directs and oversees the daily operations of the Oncology Services division specific to Commission on Cancer (CoC) and National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), accredited cancer program services, standards compliance and special projects. She conducts on site program assessments and mock surveys by client request, oversees the CoC Mentoring Program and provides CoC/NAPBC staff education as needed. Amy resides in North Carolina with her husband and three children. In her spare time she enjoys sightseeing, playing games with her family, reading and crocheting.
Past Experience:
Prior to joining Registry Partners, Amy worked as the Cancer Registry Coordinator for Onslow Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, NC, where she was responsible for general registry operations functions, coordinating cancer committee and tumor board meetings, assisting with quality improvement studies and data analysis, working with the CoC cancer program standards and assisting with the survey accreditation process.
Amy also served as Physician Services Coordinator for Onslow where she coordinated medical staff department meetings and medical staff functions, served as a physician liaison between hospital and community providers, and restructured the cancer committee meeting to meet the needs of the hospital and accreditation standards. Additionally, she served as an EDM Core Team Leader (Meditech) for the Emergency Department and Outpatient Rehab program at Onslow where she managed the implementation of Meditech’s Physician Documentation, CPOE and nursing documentation. This process required project management skills, evaluating current processes for efficiencies, streamlining planning and developing training plans and materials and has experience working as an Emergency Department Clinical Secretary.
Education/Certifications:
Amy attended Ashford University in Clinton, Iowa, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Health Informatics with a minor in Information Systems. She has also taken Health Information Technology courses at Coastal Carolina University and received her CTR certification.
Professional Associations:
Amy is a member of the National Cancer Registrars Association and the Association of North Carolina Cancer Registrars.
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Project CTR, Project Manager, Project Director and Accreditation Services Director
Q & A with Amy:
Q: There have been many changes implemented throughout your cancer registry career. Do you have a specific change that stands out as the most memorable change? What advice can you share on how best to deal with change when it occurs in the registry profession?
A: There are two changes that stand out to me most. The first is the 2012 Cancer Program Standards shift to a more patient-centered focus. This change really impacted the focus of CoC accreditation and shifted the focus from data to patient outcomes. The second is the upcoming change to AJCC Staging. Both of these changes are so drastic that they significantly impact both the CTRs and the cancer program as a whole. My advice to handling change is to accept that change is an undeniable part of life. Change is important to continue advancement in cancer care. The best thing we can do as registrars is to educate ourselves on changes, as resources become available, and reach out for help if you find yourself struggling with a change. The registrar community is full of highly knowledgeable individuals willing to help whenever possible.
Q: How did you become interested in the CTR/Cancer Registry profession?
A: I stumbled into the cancer registry, like many others. I spent many years working in a hospital in various roles. While working as the medical staff coordinator I was assigned the role of handling Cancer Committee meeting minutes due to the resignation of our CTR. While working on the minutes and preparing for the meetings I became very intrigued with the Cancer Program Standards and realized that our organization needed to make some changes to continue to comply with the newer standards. This led to an offer to come work in the registry and subsequently becoming certified.
Q: What is the recommendation you most often share with cancer committee membership?
A: Document, Document, Document. A program’s cancer committee minutes should be a detailed reflection of the work that has been done. It is also important to ensure the verbiage used in the minutes matches the verbiage used in the standards. Surveyors and technical staff should be able to review your program’s minutes and determine compliance with standards. The PAR/SAR should be used to further verify you are in compliance, however, if information is documented in your PAR/SAR but not the minutes … you risk being non-compliant.
Amy directs and oversees all aspects of her assigned projects ensuring compliance with registry standards and specifications. She ensures the goals and objectives of each project are met through oversight of her project management and data abstraction teams. Amy resides in Pennsylvania, with her husband, son and a dog named Ellie. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, gardening and spending time with family and friends and spending time at their swimming pool during the summer months.
Past Experience:
Amy has devoted her entire career to the Health Information Management and Cancer Registry fields. She has held positions such as Medical Records Team Leader for Geisinger Medical Group in State College, PA; Area Manager for ChartOne in Baltimore, MD, where she hired, trained and managed a team of eighteen Release of Information employees in four states. She performed quarterly quality control audits and worked with HIM directors to customize service contracts and ensure ChartOne was fulfilling contract specifications successfully. She also served as HIM Specialist for Ohesson Manor in Lewistown, PA, working in various HIM capacities including: quality audits, release of information, coordinating clinical documentation compliance, maintained the security of HIM systems and clinical records and provided training and support. She accepted her first Cancer Registry position working as a Tumor Registrar for Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital in Lewistown, PA, where she devoted ten years. She was involved with all aspects of the cancer registry and cancer program management for this CoC Accredited facility.
Education/Certifications:
Amy attended the South Hills School of Business and Technology in State College, PA, where she earned her Associate’s Degree in Health Information Technology. She became certified as a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) and Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR).
Professional Associations:
Amy is a member of the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA) and Pennsylvania Cancer Registrars Association (PACR).
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Project CTR, Project Manager, Project Director
Q & A with Amy:
Q: How did you become interested in the CTR/Cancer Registry profession?
A: I knew that I wanted a profession in healthcare, but realized quickly that being a nurse was not meant for me. I then became interested in the health information side of healthcare and realized that it meant a variety of career choices. I was working in a nursing home implementing EMRs and coding charts but I still felt like I could expand my career so when the opportunity arose in a local hospital for a CTR position with training, I jumped at it and haven’t looked back since.
Q: There have been many changes implemented throughout your cancer registry career. Do you have a specific change that stands out as the most memorable change? What advice can you share on how best to deal with change when it occurs in the registry profession?
A: Yes, there have been many changes throughout my career and the best advice I can give is to be prepared if you can. Education is also an important part of change in this field. There are constant educational opportunities offered to CTRs, which make the changes a little easier. Plus, CTRs are a great group of people to easily reach out to, they understand change!
Q: How have you changed your work habits working in a remote environment?
A: Constant communication with the Registry Partners leadership team and employees are a vital part of working remotely and something that I strive to make a priority. Time management and prioritizing job tasks are important when working remotely also. Staying focused is sometimes a challenge for me, but with this job, you can switch projects to work on another task and this helps me to stay productive and focused.
Anna directs and oversees all aspects of her assigned projects ensuring compliance with registry standards and specifications. She ensures the goals and objectives of each project are met through oversight of her data abstraction teams. Anna resides in Georgia with her husband and they have three children. Outside of work Anna enjoys yoga and is involved with her church.
Past Experience:
Prior to joining Registry Partners, Anna was a Cancer Cytogenetic Technologist for the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, where she prepared and analyzed chromosomes from bone marrow and blood specimens to aid in the prognosis for hematologic malignancies. She also worked at University Hospital in Augusta, GA, for twenty-two years as a Cancer Registrar.
Education/Certifications:
Anna has a BA degree in Biology from Wesleyan College in Macon, GA and is a Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR).
Professional Associations:
Anna is a member of the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA), the Georgia Tumor Registrars Association (GATRA) having served as Nominations Chair, Treasurer, Audit Chair, Public Relations Chair and Vice President in the past.
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Project CTR, Project Manager
Q & A with Anna:
Q: How did you become aware of the CTR profession & what did you do to prepare for the CTR certification?
A: I was working in a Cancer Cytogenetics Lab, and the physician director was looking at the Hospital’s Cancer Registry Annual report. I asked him “what is that”? He explained about the Cancer Registry and the statistics and data they collect. As for preparing for the CTR exam, I attended my state’s (Georgia) CTR Exam Prep workshop. I used the manual from that training. I also reviewed the standards, and all the manuals. (way back in 1995)
Q: How have you changed your work habits working in a remote environment?
A: Not really, I am a morning person, and like getting up and to the computer early in the day with my first cup of coffee. I am trying to incorporate small breaks to take a walk during the day, which is something that you can do when working from home.
Q: How do you describe your career to friends and family?
A: “Data” … you know when you hear the statistics about this or that type of cancer….well we are the ones that collect that data.
Athena coordinates and manages Quality Control activities on her assigned projects through ongoing support and guidance of her data abstraction teams. Athena enjoys cooking, exercising and running.
Past Experience:
Prior to joining Registry Partners, Athena served as Cancer Registrar for Chesapeake Regional Medical Center in Chesapeake, VA where she was involved in all cancer registry related functions.
Education/Certifications:
Athena earned her Associate of Applied Science Degree in Health Information Technology from Tidewater Community College in Virginia Beach. She is also a Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR).
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Senior CTR
Q & A with Athena:
Q: How have you changed your work habits working in a remote environment?
A: I still approach my work with the same tenacity and as I did when I worked in an office, but I have become more self-disciplined, more organized and hard working.
Q: How do I describe your career to friends and family?
A: That I am a Cancer Registrar and I collect data about cancer. I explain that the information may be used to improve the detection of cancer, improve treatments and increase survival rates for patients.
Q: What tips can you provide that may help a CTR improve their abstraction skills and become a more efficient abstractor?
A: Have all available reference materials and manuals and familiarize yourself with the different materials. Ask questions and take notes
Becky provides direct supervision of all Registry Services Directors within the pediatric service line, oversees the daily operations of all pediatric registries and the selection/implementation of new pediatric registries. Additionally, Becky evaluates operational efficiencies and recommends improvements and changes to accommodate the growth of the pediatric service line. She ensures the pediatric services team meets defined corporate goals and initiatives, defines and conducts pediatric service line education and supports industry-specific professional organizations through the development of educational content and speaking engagements. Becky resides in Louisiana with her husband, two sons and her dog, a yellow lab named Lily. In her spare time, she enjoys playing with her boys, fishing, running, and reading.
Past Experience:
Prior to joining Registry Partners, Becky worked as a Clinical Outcomes Coordinator at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana, where she coordinated participation in and data submission to several clinical outcomes databases and registries, including VPS, Congenital Society of Thoracic Surgeons, Congenital Cardiac Anesthesia Society, Vermont Oxford Network, National Trauma Data Bank, Pediatric Trauma Quality Improvement Program and Pediatric National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. She also provided training to staff including data collection and decision support, developed standards of performance and evaluated performance on an ongoing basis. During her tenure at Children’s Hospital, Becky worked with Soarian Clinicals as a Project Team Lead where she planned, developed and distributed education to medical, nursing and ancillary departments as well as technical support staff. She worked directly with Nursing Informatics Specialists to produce systems design specifications suitable for software build.
Education/Certifications:
Becky earned her Master’s Degree in Nursing, Health Care Systems Management from Loyola University in New Orleans and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Our Lady of Holy Cross College in New Orleans.
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Registry Services Director, Executive Registry Director of Pediatric Services
Q & A with Becky:
Q: With so many career options in the healthcare industry, why did you choose to focus on a career focused on data collection and clinical outcomes?
A: Honestly, I didn’t choose to focus on data collection and clinical outcomes – it chose me! But, looking back over my career, I know that each and every area that I worked in prepared me for it. And, it’s truly where I belong – using a structured process for chart review to abstract data that will directly impact and improve care algorithms and delivery to pediatric patients. It doesn’t get any better than that!
Q: What do you like most about your position as Registry Services Director?
A: I have the privilege of being able to work with an amazing management team supported by an even better executive team. And, our team of abstractors is so committed to quality work which allows us to focus on growing!
Q: What advice can you give others who may be considering a remote position outside of the clinical setting?
A: It is definitely different, so don’t work too much or too little in one day. Set daily goals for yourself … and ENJOY no commute, no work clothing wardrobe, not having to cook dinner when you get home, taking part in school field trips, a quick grocery store trip at lunch time, and YOUR FAMILY!
Beth initiates and implements the credentialing process for all new projects, conducts pre-employment interviews and oversees staffing and project placement activities. She also serves as a Project Manager and Quality Control Manager. Beth resides in Arkansas with her husband and two children. In her free time she enjoys teaching color guard to local schools, playing disc golf, running, bike riding and spending time with family.
Past Experience:
Prior to joining Registry Partners, she worked for Sparks Health System in Fort Smith, AR as a Cancer Registrar. Before entering the cancer registry profession Beth held positions such as Director of Information Systems at a behavioral health residential and treatment center; Insurance Coordinator for a Pediatric/Adolescent Medicine physician’s office; and Accounts Receivable Specialist for a skilled nursing, rehabilitation and hospice center.
Education/Certifications:
Beth is a graduate of Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, AR where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Health Information Management and became certified as an RHIA and a Certified Tumor Registrar.
Professional Associations:
Beth is a member of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA) and the Arkansas Cancer Registrars Association (ArCRA).
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Project CTR, Project Manager and Quality Control Manager
Q & A with Beth:
Q: How did you become aware of the CTR profession & what did you do to prepare for the CTR certification?
A: I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Information Management so the Cancer Registry field was introduced to me during my schooling. However, I didn’t pursue it until several years after I had graduated and was exploring different options. I completed the AHIMA Cancer Registry Program while working FT as a coder. After the completing the program, I was eligible to sit for the exam.
Q: What advice would you give to other individuals considering a cancer registry career and pursuing their CTR?
A: My advice would be to research and ask questions to other CTRs as much as possible. Also, NCRA has a mentoring program that you may consider so that someone can guide you along the way.
Q: If you could select one memorable moment that has occurred throughout your healthcare career what would it be and why?
A: My most memorable moment would have to be when I had passed the CTR exam. I was not only relieved, but also extremely proud of myself because at the time, I wasn’t actively working in the cancer registry field. Passing the exam confirmed to me that I had selected the right career for myself, which I was both excited & anxious to begin.
Beth serves as a data abstraction subject matter expert, ensuring data accuracy through quality control oversight while keeping abreast of industry-specific data collection rules and specification changes and providing ongoing education to her assigned data abstraction teams. Beth resides in New York and loves traveling, animals and watching Mets baseball.
Past Experience:
Beth began her cancer registry career working as a Certified Tumor Registrar – Team Leader at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, New York where she spent eight years. She spent an additional sixteen years working as a Central Registry Cancer Specialist III for the New York State Central Cancer Registry.
Education/Certifications:
Beth earned her Masters of Science in Education from The College of Saint Rose, her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology/Sociology from the State University of New York and her Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts from Hudson Valley Community College. Additionally, Beth earned her national Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR) certification.
Professional Associations:
Beth is a member of the National Cancer Registrars Association and the New York State Cancer Registrars Association having served as Vice President in the past.
Q & A with Beth:
Q: You have worked in the hospital and central registry setting. What do you feel are some qualities that are necessary for someone to be a good cancer registrar?
A: In order for someone to be a good Cancer Registrar, they should first have some educational or work history in the medical field to recognize and understand medical terminology. It is also helpful for registrars to have some experience reviewing medical records and or laboratory/pathology reports, so they can identify what information is considered relevant, especially when documenting text. It is important for registrars to stay organized and focused on the task for time efficiency and should be very detail oriented so as not to miss any pertinent medical information. In my experience, the best CTR’s are those that truly care about the work they are doing and want to make an important contribution to the statistics and research of cancer.
Q: When training or mentoring someone in the cancer registry profession, what do you find most rewarding about your interaction with the mentee?
A: In my position with the Central Registry, my responsibilities included training new employees/registrars and preparing candidates to sit for the CTR Exam. The most rewarding experience for me is when a registrar successfully passes the CTR exam, knowing I assisted in achieving this goal, is very satisfying. Also, it makes me feel confident in my training abilities and materials; and it provides me with opportunities to learn as well as teach. After a person does become a CTR, I always encourage them to pay it forward to the next candidate, plus this helps them reinforce their own knowledge.
Q: What advice would you give others who are considering a cancer registry career and pursuing their CTR?
A: For those considering the Cancer Registry field as a career, I would advise they do research regarding what types of positions are available for non-CTR’s to work and where they could receive some on the job training. There are not many formal education programs currently geared towards becoming a CTR, so most people learn on the job either at a reporting facility or State Central Registry. Becoming a CTR can be a lengthy process – you need to work in the field for a minimum of one year to be eligible to sit for the CTR exam, and there is so much to learn during that initial year. You really need to know this is what you want to do before committing yourself to the process. Once you are a CTR, you will have many job opportunities and chances for advancement in the registry field.
Brittney coordinates and manages Quality Control activities on her assigned projects through ongoing support and guidance of her data abstraction teams. Brittney enjoys watching movies, gardening, hiking, running and spending time with her family.
Past Experience:
Prior to joining Registry Partners, Brittney served for four years as Tumor Registrar and three years as a Health Information Technician at UnityPoint Health-Methodist in Peoria, Illinois. She was responsible for various registry operations functions during her tenure as Tumor Registrar.
Education/Certifications:
Brittney earned her Associates Degree in Health Information Technology from Midstate College in Peoria, IL and is a Registered Health Information Technologist (RHIT) and Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR).
Professional Associations:
Brittney is a member of the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA) and the Cancer Registrars of Illinois (CRI).
Previous Positions with Registry Partners:
Project CTR
Q & A with Brittney:
Q: Did you have a mentor when you began your career in the cancer registry or did you learn on your own? What are the pros and cons for this type of learning?
A: I started out in a small one-person registry that was going through many changes and I was fortunate enough to be mentored by members of the Registry Partners team. Since I was working towards obtaining my CTR credential my manager thought it was best to hire external mentors to provide the education I needed to be successful. I could go on and on about all of the benefits of having a mentor. I was given wonderful CTR mentors that helped me expand my knowledge and skills while also providing motivation and support. When you have someone available to provide answers to the many questions you have, first starting out, it makes all the difference in your success.
Q: What tips can you provide that may help a CTR improve their abstraction skills and become a more efficient abstractor?
A: I think the biggest thing is to stay up to date on your education. This profession is always changing and staying up to date with these changes is key to your success. The knowledge and use of abstracting manuals and references, utilizing resources such as CAnswer forum, SEER SINQ, and asking questions to your fellow CTRs will also help you become a more efficient abstractor. Staying organized is also important. I personally have a binder set up that is broken down by site. In each chapter, I have notes listed with all of the key components for each site. I think this is especially helpful when you are first starting out as a CTR because it’s a good reference to go back to while abstracting.
Q: How did you become interested in the cancer registry profession?
A: I was employed as an ROI Specialist and my manager at the time had approached me about an opening in the cancer registry within our department. I decided to do a little more research on my end about the profession and what it all entailed to earn a CTR credential. After finding out more information about this profession I was intrigued and decided to apply for the position. It was one of the best decisions I ever made!
Calypso serves as Senior Registry Operations Director where she oversees all aspects of her assigned projects and provides direct supervision of her Registry Operations Managers, Quality Managers, and CTR team members. Calypso resides in Florida with her husband and two children. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, and baking which she finds calming and relaxing.
Past Experience:
Calypso began her cancer registry career working for St. Joseph’s Hospitals in Tampa, Florida where she completed general registry operations tasks, participated in cancer conferences and assisted with NCDB data submissions. Her experience also includes serving as a Patient Access Service Representative – providing extensive customer relations, support to patients and various healthcare professionals, utilization of ICD and CPT coding and patient scheduling; and working as a Radiology Assistant where she provided extensive customer service, worked with patients and various physician offices and fulfilled radiology requests for reports and films in a timely manner.
Education/Certifications:
Calypso attended the University of South Florida where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health. She also has an Associate’s Degree in Health Sciences from Hillsborough Community College and is a Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR).
Professional Associations:
Calypso is a member of the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA) and Florida Cancer Registrars Association (FCRA).
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Project CTR, Quality Control Manager, Registry Operations Manager
Q & A with Calypso:
Q: When mentoring a new CTR or someone seeking their CTR certification, what do you find most rewarding about your interaction with client mentees?
A: I was very pleased to learn that mentoring can be immensely rewarding for both mentor and mentee. There have been many instances where I felt that I was learning as much from my mentee as they were learning from me. It provides such a wonderful opportunity to enrich your perspective and help gain new insights into our profession. I have been very fortunate to witness the growth of my mentee’s professional thinking and ultimately their success. Mentoring offers a pleasant reminder of the reason I decided to pursue this profession.
Q: When you entered into the cancer registry profession and became a CTR did you learn “on your own” or did you have a mentor? What benefits do you believe a mentor can provide vs. learning on your own?
A: I started out in a small two-person registry so learning on my own was the only opportunity afforded to me. It was an extremely valuable experience because by being able to teach myself I was able to develop a greater appreciation for the quality of work that I produced. The benefits of having a mentor are endless … mentoring provides external support and motivation, helps drive your success and helps you learn from someone else’s mistakes and experience. I think both learning styles can be rewarding depending on the individual’s needs.
Q: What do you like most about your position as a Quality Control Manager?
A: The most satisfying part of being a QC Manager is being able to share my knowledge and experiences with my colleagues. I have the wonderful opportunity to help others and serve as a guide which is a fantastic chance to impact the profession in a meaningful way.
Cari directs and oversees the oncology services quality program where she provides training, mentoring and ongoing support to the Quality Managers. Cari is a data abstraction subject matter expert and keeps abreast of industry-specific data collection rules and specification changes to ensure data accuracy. Cari resides in Michigan with her husband and two children. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and watching her son and daughter play soccer, kayaking, reading, cooking new recipes, running and hiking.
Past Experience:
Prior to joining Registry Partners, Cari worked at St. Mary’s of Michigan in Saginaw, Michigan for ten years as a Cancer Registrar where she took part in three successful Commission on Cancer Accreditation Surveys earning commendation.
Education/Certifications:
Cari attended Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan, and earned her Bachelors of Science Degree, majoring in Health Information Management. She has also earned two national certifications, Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) and Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR).
Professional Associations:
Cari is a member of the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA) and Michigan Cancer Registrars Association (MICRA).
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Project Manager, Quality Control Coordinator, Quality Control Director, Vice President of Quality, Education and Training and Senior Vice President.
Q & A with Cari:
Q: What advice would you give to other individuals considering a cancer registry career and pursuing their CTR?
A: Be open to learning different areas of the registry which will give you a broader scope of work. Whether you enjoy abstracting, casefinding, follow-up, pulling data reports, tumor conference, cancer committee / CoC standards, quality control or management there are different areas where you can contribute and succeed based on your interests. Use your data and share with your physicians and administration. Market your registry…you are so important! It is also critical to keep up to date with all registry changes especially the clinical rules for abstracting.
Q: What do you like most about your position as a Quality Control Manager?
A: I enjoy the investigative work that comes with Quality Control. It forces me to dig deep and research so I can provide accurate education and direction of the clinical rules. I enjoy the satisfaction of helping another CTR and the final outcome of providing quality data. I appreciate the conversations with the other Quality Control Managers within the company. It is a wonderful group of highly intelligent and kind women.
Q: When you entered into the cancer registry profession and became a CTR did you learn “on your own” or did you have a mentor? What benefits do you believe a mentor can provide vs. learning on your own?
A: I had a mentor who is actually another Quality Control Manager for Registry Partners! It is so important to have a mentor to help guide you in interpreting the registry rules and to have someone to ask questions. You don’t know what you don’t know until someone takes the time to identify something that you have been miscoding or interpreting incorrectly. Mentors also provide the reassurance you need and personally invest in your success.
Carla functions as the senior sales manager and oversees all sales activities and personnel involved in business development for the Oncology service line. Carla provides leadership on daily corporate operations as it applies to acquisition and maintenance of oncology clients. Carla resides in Arkansas with her husband and two daughters. She enjoys family outings, camping trips, sewing projects and watching movies.
Past Experience:
Prior to joining Registry Partners, Carla served as a Cancer Registry Abstractor for University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Area Health Education Centers Southwest. She furthered her career as Cancer Registrar for Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia before accepting a cancer registry consulting/coordinating role with a cancer registry consulting firm.
Education/Certifications:
Carla attended University of Arkansas at Hope where she earned her Associate of Applied Science Degree with an emphasis in Health Information Management prior to earning her national certification as a Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR).
Professional Associations:
Carla is a member of the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA) and the Arkansas Cancer Registrars Association (ArCRA).
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Project CTR, Quality Control Specialist, Quality Control Manager, Project Manager, Project Director, Vice President of Registry Operations, Senior Vice President of Registry Operations & Business Development
Q & A with Carla:
Q: What tips can you provide that may help a CTR improve their abstraction skills and become a more efficient abstractor?
A: I recommend that you know and use your manuals and resources. Save your electronic manuals and resources to your favorites so that you can access quickly when needed. For those paper manuals, make sure they are easily accessible while abstracting. The goal is to have quality and efficiency with minimum wasted effort.
Q: When you entered into the cancer registry profession and became a CTR did you learn “on your own” or did you have a mentor? What benefits do you believe a mentor can provide vs. learning on your own?
A: I had a mentor. My mentor had me abstract a paper case and then she would do a quality control review before I could enter anything into the system. She always asked me to explain why I coded things the way I did or where I found my answer, even if it was wrong. If she could understand why I did it incorrectly, she could help train me on the correct way. I used to cringe at all the red markings on my paper abstract but I learned! By having a mentor, you are able to talk through areas so that you have a better understanding. It gives you a solid foundation.
Q: How do you describe your career to friends and family?
A: I explain that a Cancer Registrar collects data on cancer patients. The data that we collect is sent to the state and national level where the data is analyzed and published. This is where we get the information on what treatment works best for different types of cancer. Since cancer is a reportable disease by law, our company is contracted by facilities all over the United States to report their cancer cases.
Christina (Chris) serves as a data abstraction subject matter expert, ensuring data accuracy through quality control oversight, while keeping abreast of industry specific data collection rules and specification changes and providing ongoing education to her assigned data abstraction teams. Additionally, she provides mentoring of on-site staff upon client request. Chris resides in Illinois and has two sons and a daughter. In her spare time, Chris enjoys spending time with her two grandsons, being outdoors, gardening, taking hikes/walks, fishing and visiting Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.
Past Experience:
Prior to joining Registry Partners, Chris worked for Elmhurst Hospital, a CoC-accredited cancer program in Elmhurst, IL, as a Cancer Registrar where she spent seventeen years.
Education/Certifications:
Chris received her Associates in Science Degree from the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, IL, and is a Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR).
Professional Associations:
Chris is a member of the Cancer Registrars of Illinois (CRI), Chicago Area Cancer Registrars Association (CACRA) and the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA).
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Project CTR
Q & A with Chris:
Q: What do you find the most rewarding part of your career registry career?
A: The most rewarding part of being a Registrar to me is knowing that we play a big part in the fight against cancer. The collection of data and monitoring of CoC standards make a difference in patient care.
Q: What do you like most about your position as Quality Control Manager?
A: Meeting and mentoring the CTR’s that are new to a project and often to Registry Partners. I enjoy helping them feel more comfortable with the new processes they encounter, which can sometimes feel overwhelming. It is also an opportunity to teach and learn from each other as the registry profession is always changing.
Q: What advice would you give to other individuals considering a career in cancer registry and obtaining their CTR certification?
A: I would tell them it is a very rewarding and flexible career if they are interested in healthcare, but not necessary “hands on”. I would also say that once you achieve your CTR, education does not stop there. There is no such thing as becoming stagnant in the field. View the educational webinars and attend State and National educational meetings to network and be informed of all new developments.
Cindy provides direct supervision of the Quality Division Registry Services Directors and oversees operations specific to Quality Business Development, Registry Operations and Quality Control. Cindy resides in Illinois with her husband and has three sons and one daughter. She enjoys the outdoors, spending time with family and watching her sons play basketball and soccer.
Past Experience:
Cindy has many years of experience in the health information/healthcare quality field including positions in Coding and Performance Improvement/Quality Management serving as Inpatient Medical Coder for Presence Health St Joseph’s Medical Center in Joliet, IL and Performance Improvement/Quality Specialist for Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, IL as well as Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, IL. Additionally, she has served as an Adjunct Instructor for the Health Information Management program through Joliet Junior College in Joliet, IL.
Education/Certifications:
Cindy earned her Associate of Applied Science Degree from Moraine Valley Community College and began working toward her Bachelor of Science Degree at Illinois State University thereafter. In addition, she has earned two national certifications: RHIT (Registered Health Information Technician) and CPHQ (Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality).
Professional Associations:
Cindy is a member of the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ), the Illinois Association for Healthcare Quality (IAHQ), and the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Other positions Cindy has held with Registry Partners include: Project Manager, Project Director and Vice President of Operations for Core Measures and Clinical Registry Services
Cindy directs and oversees all aspects of her assigned projects ensuring compliance with registry standards and specifications. She ensures the goals and objectives of each project are met through oversight of her data abstraction teams. Cindy resides in North Carolina and in her spare time she enjoys going to the beach, boating and cheering on the Carolina Panthers and Duke University basketball.
Past Experience:
Cindy has worked as a Data Manager for Atrium Health in North Carolina where she managed data abstraction and reporting for general surgery and vascular registries. She has also held positions such as Clinical Research Nurse, Clinical Director, Infection Control/Quality Measures Nurse and Nurse Manager throughout her professional career.
Education/Certifications:
Cindy earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of North Carolina – Charlotte. She is a Registered Nurse (RN) and certified as a Surgical Clinical Reviewer (SCR) through the American College of Surgeons, National Surgical Quality Improvement Program.
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Clinical Data Abstractor
Q & A with Cindy:
Q: Why do you believe clinical data registries are so important?
A: Clinical Data registries are important to collect, analyze and trend incidence of patient diseases so that patient care can be improved.
Q: How do you describe your career to friends and family?
A: My career as a nurse began at the bedside and developed into a manager where I coordinated all aspects of patient care. I have had the best experience of managing for emergency, orthopedic, and general surgery patients which gave me the awareness that patient outcomes are key. My role is to help the physician and hospital understand how they can improve the care they give and my new role is to assure they have the correct information to make informed decisions about any changes they make.
Q: If you could select one memorable moment that has occurred throughout your healthcare career, what would it be and why?
A: There are many memories that have occurred in my health career! The best is to have data identify an area that needed improvement and suggest a change. And then see that change, cause a direct impact in the data in a positive way.
Cindy directs and oversees project managers and project directors with accredited program activities such as CoC & NAPBC standards compliance, survey readiness and deficiency resolution. She also conducts mock surveys and cancer program assessments for new and existing clients. Additionally, Cindy assists the Vice President of Accreditation Services to develop standardized procedures and provide ongoing CoC & NAPBC education on standards compliance and changes. Cindy resides in Illinois and she has two children. She is very passionate about art and recycling and she frequently uses recycled products in her artwork creations, combining both passions together.
Past Experience:
Cindy has worked in the cancer registry field since 2000 when she began working for OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL. She started out as a Data Entry Clerk completing follow-up, tumor boards, casefinding and abstracting before taking the Lead Senior Cancer Registrar position for the same facility. This position allowed her to become intimately involved with the CoC and NAPBC accreditation and survey process. She served on the Cancer Committee as Quality of Registry Data Coordinator and was also a member of the Breast Cancer Steering Committee. As Lead Senior Cancer Registrar, Cindy managed two abstractors, volunteers and departmental support staff.
Education/Certifications:
Cindy earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago and is a Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR).
Professional Associations:
Cindy is a member of the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA), Cancer Registrars of Illinois (CRI) and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Project Manager and Project Director
Q & A with Cindy:
Q: What is the recommendation you most often share with cancer committee membership?
A: The Cancer Committee is comprised of a multidisciplinary comprehensive team. I always remind the members that input is needed from all members in order for the program to be successful.
Q: What do you find different with your current position compared to your initial cancer registry jobs?
A: When I started in the registry years ago, I was hired as a part time follow up “clerk”. Slowly my job evolved to include Tumor Conference and Cancer Committee Prep as well as pulling (or trying to locate) the paper charts for the abstractors. I was fortunate to work with excellent CTR’s who trained me to become an abstractor and then a member of the Cancer Committee. Now as a Director, I oversee Project Managers and CoC Cancer Programs. I enjoy working with the Project Managers in order to help them overcome any obstacles to ensure their programs are successful. The dynamics of every program are so different and vary state-to-state, project-to-project. It is very rewarding to be a part of so many successful programs.
Q: What advice would you give to other individuals considering a cancer registry career and pursuing their CTR?
A: Being a CTR is a very rewarding profession. The data we collect is vital in determining cancer incidence, success of treatments delivered, and in determining survival rates of cancer patients. Clinical Researchers, Public Health Departments and Clinicians rely on the data we collect in order to move forward with clinical studies and advances in medication and treatments to hopefully one day combat this disease for the entire population. Cancer Registrars make a difference!
Cora directs and oversees all aspects of her assigned projects ensuring compliance with registry standards and specifications. She ensures the goals and objectives of each project are met through oversight and quality control of her data abstraction teams. Additionally, she provides mentoring of on-site staff upon client request. Cora presently resides in Louisiana with her husband and five children. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, volunteering at church and sitting outside enjoying her backyard.
Past Experience:
Prior to joining Registry Partners, Cora worked as an Oncology Registrar at Lafayette General Medical Center in Lafayette, LA, where she performed various registry operations functions, coordinated oncology conferences and trained new employees. Prior to entering into the oncology field, Cora served as a patient access representative, guiding and helping patients through the admission process and served as an executive assistant to the Medical Staff Director, working closely with physicians and administrators.
Education/Certifications:
Cora attended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Health Information Management and is a Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR).
Professional Associations:
Cora is a member of the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA) and the Louisiana Cancer Registrars Association (LCRA) where she has served as Secretary.
Previous Positions with Registry Partners:
Project CTR, Project & Quality Control Manager
Q & A with Cora:
Q: When mentoring a new CTR or someone seeking their CTR certification, what do you find most rewarding about your interaction with the mentee?
A: What I find most rewarding when mentoring someone seeking their CTR certification, is the passion that they exhibit along the way. When first starting in the cancer registry field, most of them do not completely understand what it entails, as most of us. But upon introducing them to different areas of the registry, they gain a greater understanding of what CTRs do and develop a passion for being a part of this great cause. It is also so rewarding to see the growth of each mentee over time as well as growth in myself.
Q: What do you find the most rewarding about your career in the cancer registry field?
A: What I find most rewarding about the cancer registry field is that even though we don’t engage in direct patient involvement as physicians, nurses, or other health care professionals do, we do have a direct involvement in providing the best quality data which is instrumental in providing the proper care for the patients. Each case is different and all of the data that is collected is extremely important. It is rewarding to know that the work that I do every day is used for this great cause!
Q: Do you like working from home or do you miss the interaction within an office setting?
A: I love working from home! Initially, it was a bit of an adjustment. I am a people person and I love to talk, so I do sometimes miss the interaction within the office setting. But ultimately, working from home has provided me the opportunity to spend more time with my family, attend school functions for the kids, and just overall flexibility which means everything!
Courtney directs and oversees all aspects of her assigned projects ensuring compliance with registry standards and specifications. She ensures the goals and objectives of each project are met through oversight of her data abstraction teams. Courtney resides in Massachusetts with her husband and son. Here she enjoys camping, hiking, skiing, kayaking, reading and snowshoe activities.
Past Experience:
Prior to joining Registry Partners, Courtney served as Quality Program Coordinator for Heywood Hospital where she performed data collection on a variety of datasets and collaborated with leadership on various QI initiatives. She has also served as Quality Improvement Specialist for Lowell General Hospital, was a Professional Development Specialist for Emerson Hospital and has served as a Critical Care RN, Charge Nurse for Telemetry and provided comprehensive care to cardiac patients. She is also an adjunct instructor for Rivier University where she teaches Quality and Informatics in Practice.
Education/Certifications:
Courtney earned her Masters of Science degree from Rivier University in New Hampshire and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Colby-Sawyer College in New Hampshire. She is licensed as an RN in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
Professional Associations:
Courtney is a member of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses and the National League of Nursing.
Q & A with Courtney:
Q: What do you find to be the most rewarding part of your career in healthcare quality?
A: Knowing that I am helping people receive the best possible care that is up to date and evidenced based.
Q: With so many career options in the healthcare industry, why did you choose a career focused on data collection and clinical outcomes?
A: I love measurable outcomes! I believe that data can help people look at something through the same objective lens. Ideally, this puts people on common ground to be able to discuss Quality Improvement and problem solve together.
Q: What advice can you give others who may be considering a remote position outside the clinical setting?
A: It is wonderful! I love that I no longer have a commute and I can wear my slippers to work rather than heels. It is also great to have my dog with me in the office every day.
Courtney develops and maintains long-lasting relationships with our current clients and builds new professional relationships with potential clients. She defines services that best meet the client’s needs and ensures client satisfaction. Courtney resides in Louisiana with her husband and two children. In her spare time, she enjoys baking, spending time with her family, and watching New Orleans Saints football.
Past Experience:
Prior to joining Registry Partners, Courtney worked in the Oncology Registry for Lafayette General Medical Center in Lafayette, Louisiana where she coordinated the registry and CoC accreditation, leading her program to earn the CoC Outstanding Achievement Award. In her last year with Lafayette General, she also served as a Survey Readiness Consultant for the Lafayette General Health System, providing support and knowledge to other CoC accredited cancer programs within the health system. In this role, she assisted with survey prep and attended CoC surveys, reviewed the SAR for concordance with the CoC standards, provided guidance in the deficiency appeals process and assisted with resolving deficiencies.
Education/Certifications:
Courtney is a graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Health Information Management. She is certified as a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) and Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR).
Professional Associations:
Courtney is a member of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), Louisiana Health Information Management Association (LHIMA), National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA) and Louisiana Cancer Registrars Association (LCRA) where she has served as Secretary and President and has worked on the Annual Conference Planning Committee.
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Project Manager, Project Director, Senior Registry Operations Director
Q & A with Courtney:
Q: How did you become interested in the administrative side of health information management?
A: From a young age I always knew I wanted to be involved in health care. I think it may have started as a dream to be a veterinarian or pediatrician to help sick animals and babies. Throughout my schooling, I enjoyed science and math. In high school, I attended a health academy and got exposure to all different aspects of medicine. When I got a little older and set more realistic goals, I thought about pursuing nursing. I was given the opportunity to job shadow a nurse, and from that day on I had a pretty clear idea that I was not cut out for patient care. When faced with the decision to select a college degree program, I was reviewing the courses and came across an HIM program at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. HIM encompassed everything I found interest in: science, information technology, and business management. I gave the degree program a chance, and four years later became an RHIA! Although HIM professionals don’t often get the credit they deserve, I find great pride in knowing we play a large part in ensuring quality patient care.
Q: What is the recommendation you most often share with cancer committee membership?
A: Participation is KEY to a successful cancer program! There is no “I” in “Team”, and even though there is an “I” in “Cancer Committee”, they call it a committee for a reason. I often find myself in discussion with fellow CTRs who have a lack of participation from cancer committee members. Sometimes this can be contributed to a lack of knowledge or communication. Make sure that the members of your cancer committee understand their roles and the standards or eligibility criteria that affect their area of patient care. If one person is in charge of the agenda for the cancer committee meetings, have that person reach out to each member for content contributions. If everyone plays their part, it will be reflected in the program’s success.
Q: Do you have any tips you can share from your recent surveys?
A: One thing I find that helped me in my most recent survey preparations was getting everyone involved in the SAR (Survey Application Record). I found it easiest to have one gatekeeper for the SAR, but I sent screenshots of each section of the SAR that pertained to the particular cancer program coordinator or committee member’s role and asked them to provide me with the content to complete that section. Getting everyone involved gave me some relief of the large responsibility of completing the SAR and kept everyone aware of what was being included, so they could easily answer any questions brought up by the surveyor during the site visit. Another tip would be to build a shared folder system that mimics the SAR so that each committee member has a designated place to store their documentation. This also helps in situations when the SAR format is updated and the information isn’t transferred completely or accurately from year to year in the program activity record, or PAR (Program Activity Record).
Crystal provides direct supervision of the Oncology Division Vice Presidents and oversees the operations specific to Accreditation & Central Registry Services. Crystal resides in Texas with her two children. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, attending concerts and musical productions, watching movies, reading, “junking/antiquing” with her friends and short motorcycle trips with her dad.
Past Experience:
Prior to joining Registry Partners, Crystal worked at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Area Health Education Centers Southwest, where she served as the lead abstractor and cancer program assistant.
Education/Certifications:
Crystal attended Texarkana College in Arkansas prior to earning her Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR) certification. In 2011 she was selected by the American College of Surgeons, Commission on Cancer (CoC) as a CoC-trained consultant.
Professional Associations:
Crystal is a member of the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA), Texas Tumor Registrars Association (TxTRA) and has also served as a chairperson for the Cross Plains Texas Cancer Walk.
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Project CTR, Project Manager, Project Director, Accreditation & Registry Operations Director and Vice President of Accreditation Services
Q & A with Crystal:
Q: What is the recommendation you most often share with cancer committee membership?
A: The recommendation I most often share is to improve/encourage engagement from all members of the committee by mentoring each coordinator position on their roles and responsibilities. I also recommend the committee routinely monitor the compliance status of each standard throughout the year. At Registry Partners, we utilize a GAP Analysis spreadsheet to document the progress made for each standard and ensure compliance is met prior to the end of the year.
Q: What advice would you give to other individuals considering a cancer registry career and pursuing their CTR?
A: Becoming a Certified Tumor Registrar can open many rewarding and challenging doors for you. Since the cancer registry field is very diverse, there are many different opportunities available to help build a long-term career and facilitate personal growth. Some of the opportunities include performing cancer registry operations/abstracting for hospital and central registry programs, obtaining the knowledge to become a quality analyst and mentor, developing leadership skills to coordinate and manage Commission on Cancer and National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers activities and Cancer Registry departments, serving as a consultant and being instrumental in helping programs be successful and many more. As a CTR, you are a key part in the overall contributions and advancements in cancer care.
Q: How did you become interested in the CTR/Cancer Registry profession?
A: My initial interest in the Cancer Registry profession stemmed from the desire to obtain employment in a field where I felt I could have a rewarding career and provide for my family. In 2001, I became the Follow-up Coordinator for a hospital-based Cancer Registry. As I learned more about the important role the registry plays in the improvements to cancer care, my desire to advance in this profession continued to grow. At that point, I was mentored to become an abstractor and gained the knowledge to obtain my certification. After the birth of my first child, I wanted the ability to work flexible hours, work from home, have a great work-life balance, and still maintain a career. Registry Partners has given me the ability to do just that. After starting with Registry Partners in 2005, my career continued to advance from a Project CTR to my current position. I have truly found a rewarding career where I have been given the opportunity to be instrumental in the success of many Cancer Programs and other Certified Tumor Registrars.
Donna directs and oversees all aspects of her assigned projects ensuring compliance with registry standards and specifications. She ensures the goals and objectives of each project are met through oversight of her project management and data abstraction teams. Donna resides in South Carolina with her husband and they have two children. In her spare time, she enjoys entertaining her family and friends, loving her two rescue dogs, traveling to fun places and being an Aunty-Granny to her great nephew.
Past Experience:
Donna is a veteran of the Registry Partners team, working with the company since its 2nd year in business. Donna’s expertise lies with State Central Cancer Registries and she is considered our subject matter expert in this specialty area.
Prior to joining Registry Partners, Donna served as Data Coordinator for the South Carolina Central Cancer Registry and worked as an traveling cancer registrar and an independent contractor for a registry services contract firm.
Education/Certifications:
Donna received her Certificate in Histologic Technology from the Medical Center of South Carolina in Charleston and her Associates Degree in Allied Health Sciences from Trident Technical College in Charleston, SC. She is also a Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR).
Professional Associations:
Donna is a member of the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA), National Society of Histo-Technology and the South Carolina Cancer Registrars Association (SCCRA).
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Project CTR, Project and Quality Control Manager, Project Director
Q & A with Donna:
Q: What advice can you give others who may be considering a remote position outside of the clinical setting?
A: My advice to working remotely is to be sure you have a dedicated space and the discipline to work from home. As flexible as our work time is, it’s important to be able to focus on work without distraction.
Q: There have been many changes implemented throughout your cancer registry career. Do you have a specific change that stands out as the most memorable change?
A: I entered the field not long before Collaborative Stage was introduced. My coworkers groaned with despair at the number of new fields and extra work it seemed to create. 10 years later it was discontinued and TNM is now changing. We are groaning again! But that is what keeps us up to date on the latest research.
Q: If you could select one memorable moment that has occurred throughout your healthcare career what would it be and why?
A: My memorable moment is actually ongoing. From my first job as a technologist in a pathology laboratory to becoming a cancer registrar I’ve seen the story unfold as a patient is first diagnosed with cancer and ultimately treated and now, very often, survives that devastating diagnosis. The research that has been done since I started in this field has been incredible and I am humbled to be a part of it.
Donna directs and oversees all aspects of her assigned projects ensuring compliance with registry standards and specifications. She ensures the goals and objectives of each project are met through oversight and quality control of her data abstraction teams. Additionally, she provides mentoring of on-site staff upon client request. Donna resides in Georgia with her husband and they have one son and one grandson.
Past Experience:
Prior to joining Registry Partners, Donna worked for Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital in Albany, GA initially as a Tumor Registrar before taking on a Coordinator position within the Tumor Registry. She also worked for Sumter Regional Hospital in Americus, GA where she served as an Oncology Data Specialist.
Education/Certifications:
Donna is a Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR)
Professional Associations:
Donna is a member of the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA) and Georgia Tumor Registrars Association (GATRA), where she has served as Historian and a member of the education committee.
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Project CTR, Project Manager
Ebbony directs and oversees all aspects of her assigned projects ensuring compliance with registry standards and specifications. She ensures the goals and objectives of each project are met through oversight of her data abstraction teams. Ebbony resides in Maryland with her husband and two children. In her spare time, she enjoys running, traveling, and cooking.
Past Experience:
Ebbony has worked as a Metabolic and Bariatric Surgical Clinical Reviewer (MBSCR) for eight years, serving as a Bariatric abstractor and Bariatric Program Coordinator for Bon Secours General Surgery and a Metabolic and Bariatric Surgical Clinical Reviewer for Parham Doctors Hospital. Additionally, Ebbony has worked as a Data Management and Quality Control Specialist, a Clinical Conduct Technician and a Research Assistant.
Education/Certifications:
Ebbony attended Maric College in Vista, California. She is a certified Metabolic and Bariatric Surgical Clinical Reviewer (MBSCR) and Certified Medical Assistant (CMA).
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Clinical Data Abstractor
Q & A with Ebbony:
Q: What do you find to be the most rewarding part of your career in healthcare quality?
A: The data we collect helps bring positive change to healthcare.
Q: With so many career options in the healthcare industry, why did you choose a career focused on data collection and clinical outcomes?
A: I enjoy learning and in this field, you are able to learn something new every day.
Q: How have you changed your work habits working in a remote environment?
A: My work environment has become less chaotic, so I am able to focus more and become more productive.
Erica directly oversees the daily operations of the Quality Control Department and leads the development of team member education ensuring the most current industry related changes are known and applied. Erica resides in Virginia with her husband and three children. She enjoys traveling, exercising, hiking and spending time with her family.
Past Experience:
Prior to working with Registry Partners, Erica worked for Augusta Health, a CoC accredited cancer program in Fishersville, VA, as the Cancer Registrar and IRB Secretary. She also spent four years as a Cancer Registrar for Carilion Memorial Hospitals in Roanoke, VA.
Education/Certifications:
Erica received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry with a minor in Biology from the Ohio University, Athens Campus and is a Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR).
Professional Associations:
Erica is a member of the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA) and Virginia Cancer Registrars Association (VCRA).
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Project CTR, Quality Control Manager, Project Manager, Quality Control Director, Senior Quality Control & Education Director
Q & A with Erica:
Q: What do you enjoy most about working for Registry Partners?
A: I enjoy the flexible working hours and being able to work from home. My family is very important to me and having flexibility allows a healthy work/home life balance. Most people say that you can’t be a successful full-time working mother, but Registry Partners allows you to fulfill both dreams.
Q: What tips can you provide that may help a CTR improve their abstraction skills and become a more efficient abstractor?
A: Repetition. The more you abstract, the more case scenarios you will see and the more you will learn. As everyone knows, there are no two cases alike in our profession. Each case presents its own challenges and rules for coding. The only way to see one primary site in multiple forms and different stages is to abstract as much as possible. Read your manuals! Every primary site has different coding rules.
Q: In your opinion, what makes your career interesting?
A: I learn something new every day. I have been in the cancer registry profession for many years and in a quality division for the last several years. It amazes me how many forms cancer can present itself in and how different every form is. I love being able to continue my education through my day to day work activities. Working with the quality of cancer registry data is definitely where I belong.
Erin directs and oversees all aspects of her assigned projects ensuring compliance with registry standards and specifications. She ensures the goals and objectives of each project are met through oversight and quality control of her data abstraction teams. Erin resides in Michigan and in her spare time she enjoys playing and coaching softball, riding and showing her horse, working on cross stitch and playing video games with some of her long-distance friends.
Past Experience:
Prior to joining Registry Partners, Erin served as a Certified Tumor Registrar for Spectrum Health Lakeland in Saint Joseph, Michigan, achieving NAPBC accreditation in 2017. She also has experience working as a medical lab technician for IDEXX Bioresearch and served as a Veterinary Assistant for North Central Veterinary Emergency Center.
Education/Certifications:
Erin earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Purdue University North Central and is a Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR).
Professional Associations:
Erin is a member of the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA) and the Michigan Cancer Registrars Association (MiCRA).
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Project CTR
Q & A with Erin:
Q: What tips can you provide that may help a CTR improve their abstraction skills and become a more efficient abstractor?
A: Figure out what works for you and stick with it! There are many companies and CTRs out there who will make suggestions about how to “efficiently” abstract a case, but these suggestions may not work for everyone. Once you are familiar with the EMR and registry software, start experimenting with what order of abstracting works best for you. For some CTRs, moving in the order of the registry software may work best.
Q: What advice would you give to other individuals considering a cancer registry career and pursuing their CTR?
A: Do as much research as you can on the career and opportunities that may be available to you once you are certified to see if this career would be a great fit or not. Talk to as many current CTRs as you can (networking is HUGE in this career) to get a real picture of what we do on a daily basis – a day in the life of a hospital registrar, a central registrar, and a remote registrar will all be different. And don’t be afraid to ask questions! This is a career path that not many people know exists, so current CTRs are always more than happy to share their experiences and advice with those interested.
Q: How do you describe your career to friends and family?
A: When my family and friends ask me what exactly it is that I do, I generally tell them that a cancer registrar captures a complete summary of the diagnosis and treatment for every cancer patient coming into the facility I am working for. This information is then submitted to the state and then nationally where the data is used by researchers and other health care professionals to determine survival rates, incidence rates, and even develop new research for the treatment of cancer. All those stats published by the American Cancer Society and other organizations? Those all come from CTRs like me!
Gema directs and oversees all aspects of her assigned projects ensuring compliance with registry standards and specifications. She ensures the goals and objectives of each project are met through oversight and quality control of her data abstraction teams. Gema resides in Florida and in her spare time she enjoys participating in marathons, ironman triathlons and volunteering for the Junior League organization.
Past Experience:
Prior to joining Registry Partners, Gema worked for Sarah Cannon, The Cancer Institute of HCA where she served as Oncology Data and Accreditation Manager for the East Florida Division. Additionally, Gema has worked for the Florida Department of Public Health as a Senior Registry Analyst and has served as a cancer registrar or cancer registry manager for other health care facilities in Florida and California.
Education/Certifications:
Gema earned her MBA from Florida International University, her Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of Miami and is also a Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR).
Professional Associations:
Gema is a member of the Florida Cancer Registrars Association and the National Cancer Registrars Association.
Q & A with Gema:
Q: How did you become interested in the Cancer Registry profession?
A: My story is a little different than the traditional cancer registrar or CTR. When I first entered the field, most of my colleagues had stumbled into the profession as a second career or found the registry in a round-about manner. I was fresh out of college with a biology degree and looking for my first job. At the time, I had no idea that what was meant to be a transitioning phase in my life would turn out to be a career that’s coming on nearly 20 years now. I had wonderful mentors who expanded my awareness of the profession and got me involved early on to recognize that this was not only a job but a mission to help people with cancer and those who directly care for those affected by this disease. I am happy to see that during the course of this time, the field has grown rapidly and with it, the role of the cancer registrar has become more dynamic like the corp of registry professionals currently coming into the field.
Q: What is the recommendation you most often share with cancer committee membership?
A: As the cliched expression goes, “Knowledge is power”. It’s often my advice that key decision-makers on the cancer committee become involved and better versed in the valuable contributions that the cancer registry data has in helping them make effective decisions for their program’s cancer care. In a healthcare climate where so much is based on quality measures and performance outcomes, there is often an opportunity to leverage the registry data with other sources, as well.
Q: Why do you believe clinical data registries are so important?
A: Clinical data registries ultimately develop the framework for quality patient care. If there is a means to analyze and compare, there is an opportunity to support what works and potentially reduce or prevent troubling concerns in healthcare.
Gloria directs and oversees all aspects of her assigned projects ensuring compliance with registry standards and specifications. She ensures the goals and objectives of each project are met through oversight of her project management and data abstraction teams. Gloria currently resides in Utah with her husband. They have two daughters and two loveable rescue dogs. During her spare time, Gloria enjoys spending time with her family, camping and traveling. She also enjoys reading, shopping, going to the movies, and spending time with friends.
Past Experience:
Prior to joining Registry Partners, Gloria worked as a VPS Site Coordinator at Miller Children’s and Women’s Hospital in Long Beach, California, where she performed data analysis, collection, and entry for Virtual PICU, a CCS requirement in California.
During her tenure at Miller Children’s and Women’s Hospital besides working as a staff RN, preceptor, and middle manager, Gloria developed the hospital’s data collection tools for Nursing Administration for the Clinical Productivity and Staffing Program and the Physician Crimson Advantage databases. Her responsibilities in quality and data analysis included research, comparative reporting, QA projects and involvement in LEAN and Value Stream projects hospital wide.
Gloria has devoted much of her past work experience to the Pediatric ICU holding positions such as staff RN, preceptor, and middle management for Lafayette Home Hospital in Lafayette, IN, staff RN, preceptor, and middle management for Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis, IN and Pediatric Transport Team Coordinator, and Supervisor of Pediatric Critical Care for Saint John’s Hospital in Springfield, IL.
Education/Certifications:
Gloria earned both her Master’s Degree in Nursing Education and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Western Governors University. Additionally, she received her Associates of Science in Nursing from Vincennes University. Gloria is certified as a Pediatric Critical Care RN, certified in Pediatric Advanced Life Support and is also a certified PALS instructor.
Q & A with Gloria:
Q: Having many years of experience working in the pediatrics field, what transformations have you witnessed in the care being provided to pediatric patients that you can attribute to an increased focus on healthcare quality?
A: The basic core of patient care, the nurses’ desires to offer the safest, best physical and emotional care to their patients and families, has not changed since I began my career in 1976. Having said that, I have also witnessed huge strides in most aspects of nursing to offer improved quality care. I remember hand counting IV fluid drip rates as there were no IV pumps on hospitalized patients then. Technology has continued to improve over time both inside and outside the hospital and now offers healthcare quality in many areas like computer generated order entry, scannable bar codes, and improved monitoring and machinery for patient care. Evidence based research has definitely changed nursing and the continuous improvement in quality healthcare. I am incredibly proud to play a part in data collection for ongoing research and care changes that will result in better quality care in the future.
Q: What advice can you give others with clinical pediatric experience who are looking to move away from direct patient care?
A: Always remember that nursing has many different avenues away from the bedside that are constantly growing; from education, to legal nursing, to data abstraction. Don’t fear trying something new. Take the knowledge that you gained from direct patient care and use that to improve nursing care going forward. Trust yourself and try new things when the time is right for you. Once a nurse, always a nurse – no matter what path you follow!
Q: Working in the healthcare field is challenging in many ways. It takes a special type of person to serve in a clinical role but it also takes a special type of person to work within the administrative side of healthcare. What has your experience been working within the administrative side of healthcare? What do you believe the pros and cons are?
A: The administrative side of healthcare, for me, has been an extension of clinical healthcare. I loved being a bedside nurse but knew that my time had come for a change! I immediately loved the challenge. I found myself learning something new every day, instead of things like new medications it revolved around computers, excel sheets, and how to use data to improve patient care. In the administrative side of healthcare, I enjoy mentoring new staff as well as working with others to initiate positive changes. I do miss the children and families that I cared for in the PICU but I cherish memories from the past.
Heather directs and oversees all aspects of her assigned projects ensuring compliance with registry standards and specifications. She ensures the goals and objectives of each project are met through oversight and quality control of her data abstraction teams. Additionally, she provides mentoring of on-site staff upon client request. Heather resides in Virginia with her husband. In her spare time, she enjoys baking, practicing yoga, hiking, and working closely with the River City Bulldog Rescue.
Past Experience:
Prior to working with Registry Partners, Heather worked as a cancer registrar for Carilion Clinic in Roanoke, VA for four years.
Education/Certifications:
Heather earned her Bachelor of Science Degree from Longwood University and Masters of Criminal Justice degree from the University of Cincinnati. She is also a Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR).
Professional Associations:
Heather is a member of the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA) and the Virginia Cancer Registrars Association (VCRA).
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Project CTR, Project and Quality Control Manager
Q & A with Heather:
Q: How did you become aware of the CTR profession & what did you do to prepare for the CTR certification?
A: I inadvertently found myself in the Cancer Registry profession in 2007, when I applied for a new position within Carilion Clinic. I had never heard of a CTR before my interview, but I was intrigued from the start. I left briefly to complete my Master’s degree, but came back to the profession in 2012 and began my career with Registry Partners. I began studying for the CTR exam in 2011 and took exam in the Spring of 2012. All of the study for the CTR certification was done on my own. My husband was an enormous help, I made flash cards and he would quiz me every evening.
Q: How have you changed your work habits working in a remote environment?
A: I’ve always been a very organized and disciplined person, so moving to a remote work environment was not that difficult for me and I did not have to change much in order to adjust from working in an office outside my home.
Q: How do you describe your career to friends and family?
A: I typically describe what I do as behind the scenes cancer research; as we provide vital information to researchers who use our data to advance cancer treatments, conduct research, and improve prevention processes.
Heather serves as a data abstraction subject matter expert, ensuring data accuracy through quality control oversight while keeping abreast of industry-specific data collection rules and specification changes and providing ongoing education to her assigned data abstraction teams. Heather resides in New York with her husband, son, and daughter. In her spare time, Heather enjoys boating, going to the ocean, swimming, taking walks, watching her children’s sporting events and competitions and spending time with her family and friends.
Past Experience:
Heather has worked in the cancer registry field as a CTR II, Oncology Analytics Tumor Registrar II, and Central Cancer Registry – Cancer Specialist II. Heather has also served as a Medical Assistant. Her cancer registry experience includes CoC accredited cancer programs and state central registry work.
Education/Certifications:
Heather earned her Associate’s of Applied Science degree in Health Information Management and Technology from Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, New York. She is also a Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR).
Professional Associations:
National Cancer Registrars Association, New York Cancer Registrars Association
Q & A with Heather:
Q: When you entered into the cancer registry profession, did you learn on your own or did you have a mentor? What benefits do you believe a mentor can provide?
A: I started my career in the New York State Central Cancer Registry, where I was fortunate enough to have an excellent supervisor/mentor. He always provided me with immediate feedback on my work and allowed me to learn from my mistakes. He taught me how to effectively use my manuals and resources, which helped me become a self-sufficient CTR. There is a lot to learn in this field, and having a mentor can help you navigate through the process efficiently and become a successful CTR.
Q: How did you become interested in the Cancer Registry profession?
A: When my brother was diagnosed with a rare form of Lymphoma, I immediately began to research blood cancers, treatments, and outcomes. I was intrigued by the data and later learned that CTR’s are a huge piece of that puzzle. I decided to switch majors from Nursing to Health Information Management and work towards becoming a CTR.
Q: What do you feel is the most rewarding aspect of your career?
A: I love knowing that our work, as CTR’s, is helping to make a difference in identifying disparities in patient populations, early detection, patient treatments, outcomes, etc. Seeing published data always reminds me of why it’s so important that we always do our best to provide good, quality data for research.
Heather serves as a data abstraction subject matter expert, ensuring data accuracy through quality control oversight, while keeping abreast of industry specific data collection rules and specification changes and providing ongoing education to her assigned data abstraction teams. Additionally, she provides mentoring of on-site staff upon client request. Heather presently resides in Georgia with her dog named Ella. She enjoys going to the beach and spending time with her niece and nephews.
Past Experience:
Prior to working with Registry Partners, Heather worked as a Cancer Registry Abstractor for Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah, GA for 4 years.
Education/Certifications:
Heather has a Bachelor’s Degree from Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah, GA and received her Tumor Registry Specialist Certificate from Ogeechee Technical College in Statesboro, GA. She is also a Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR).
Professional Associations:
Heather is a member of the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA) and the Georgia Tumor Registrars Association (GATRA).
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Project CTR
Q & A with Heather:
Q: What advice would you give to other individuals considering a cancer registry career and pursuing their CTR?
A: I would let them know that this is an exciting field to get into and the demand for CTR’s is high. I would tell them it’s worth all the hard work and to stick with it. I would also advise them to find a mentor if they can.
Q: How did you become interested in the CTR/Cancer Registry profession?
A: I heard about the Certified Tumor Registrar certification from a co-worker who was looking into different medical programs offered at Ogeechee Technical College. She told me about CTR’s and the high demand for them. I was a bank teller at the time. I did a little research online and I just knew it was something I wanted to do.
Q: What do you like most about your position as a Quality Control Manager?
A: I like being able help others. I love when someone comes to me with questions and I’m able to help them figure out difficult cases. I also love being able to share what I know and what I’ve learned with others.
Heather directs and oversees all aspects of her assigned projects ensuring compliance with registry standards and specifications. She ensures the goals and objectives of each project are met through oversight of her data abstraction teams. Heather resides in Arkansas and in her spare time she enjoys reading, drinking coffee, working logic puzzles, crocheting, volunteering and advocating for children with special needs.
Past Experience:
Heather served as a cancer registrar for the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System. She has also served as a cancer registry contractor and has experience in both medical transcription and coding.
Education/Certifications:
Heather received her Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the University of Central Arkansas. She also has an Associate of Science degree in Health Information with an emphasis on Cancer Registry. She also earned her national Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR) certification.
Professional Associations:
Heather is an active member of both the National Cancer Registrars Association and the Arkansas Cancer Registrars Association.
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Project Manager
Q & A with Heather:
Q: How did you become aware of the cancer registry profession?
A: I was working for my local hospital as a transcriptionist and ate lunch with a lady who had a desk in the corner of the HIM file room where all the paper charts were housed. Her desk was covered with stacks of charts and all these books. I asked her one day at lunch what she did, and she invited me over to her desk where she shared with me about the world of Cancer Registry and all about her job. I was immediately hooked and started researching how to become a registrar and what colleges were close to me in Arkansas where I could go back to school to finish up the courses I needed in order to sit for the CTR exam.
Q: Did you have a mentor when you began your career in the cancer registry field or did you learn on your own? What are the pros and cons of this type of learning?
A: I did a lot of learning on my own initially. I did have several mentors along the way though. One CTR from the Arkansas Central Cancer Registry was very encouraging while I was doing my 180-hour practicum while still in college. She helped me set up my internship with a local Hem/Onc practice that the state needed cases from, and she answered tons of questions while I completed my internship there. It was a win-win situation; I got the experience, and the state got the cases they needed.
My first actual paid registry position was at the Little Rock VA Hospital. My supervisor and co-worker there were both wonderful CTR mentors who taught me so much about the “real world” of being a registrar and not just the “book knowledge” I had coming out of school. They also helped me gain very valuable experience in a CoC program. Their encouragement and insights and all the detailed QA they did on my cases helped me pass the CTR exam on my first try after only working in a registry for 9 months. I do think all the research I did on my own and all the time spent in the manuals myself was, for me, the best method to really learn the skills I needed. Having mentors was also invaluable, as there are some times when the input of a seasoned registrar is what one needs to really make sense of things. I highly recommend a balance of both – self-learning and having a mentor to whom one can reach out.
Q: What advice would you give to other individuals considering a career in cancer registry and pursuing their CTR certification?
A: This is an amazing profession, one that is never boring. Whether it’s learning about a new part of the body by abstracting a primary site you’ve never abstracted before, learning about new treatments that are on the cutting edge of today’s medical breakthroughs, finding a “lost” patient via follow-up and helping return that patient to active care with the medical team, or being part of the Cancer Committee and going through the survey process with a facility – being a CTR opens up the human body and the world of medicine from a whole new perspective and allows one to learn and grow and gain skills that have an impact on both current patients and future generations.
Being part of the Oncology team and being able to offer my skill set to aid the diagnostic and treatment team in providing the best care possible for their patients is a very rewarding and personally fulfilling work in which to be involved. I learn and grow as a professional every single day as a CTR. If you have an interest in medicine, are detail-oriented, and want to contribute to bettering the care cancer patients receive with a long-range mindset, this is a wonderful career to pursue.
Take advantage of all the learning opportunities in your academic community, local CTR community and state association, and avail yourself of any offers of mentoring. Your fellow CTRs are your best source of encouragement and information when you are training to be a registrar, preparing to sit for your CTR exam, and when you are working in the field and have “that” case in front of you that you just don’t know what to do with. You will find personal gratification in the work you do and find lifelong friends in the CTR community around you.
Holly directs and oversees all aspects of her assigned projects ensuring compliance with registry standards and specifications. She ensures the goals and objectives of each project are met through oversight and quality control of her data abstraction teams. Holly resides in South Carolina with her husband and they have two sons. She enjoys art (drawing/painting), kayaking, interior design, volunteering at her church, spending time with family, cooking and taking walks on the beach with her husband.
Past Experience:
Holly’s experience has included a variety of registry related positions some of which include: starting a cancer registry from the ground up within a community hospital setting, serving as a cancer registry supervisor at a teaching hospital and working as the regional quality control editor for a state central cancer registry where she was also involved with case consolidation, death clearance, pathology lab reporting, and many other central cancer registry functions.
Education/Certifications:
Holly is a Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR)
Professional Associations:
Holly is a member of the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA) and the South Carolina Cancer Registrars Association (SCCRA).
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Project CTR, Project and Quality Control Manager
Q & A with Holly:
Q: You have worked in hospital registries as well as a state central registry. What do you feel are some qualities that are necessary for someone to be a good cancer registrar?
A: I feel that a good cancer registrar should have good communication skills, attention to detail, be computer proficient and have a desire to learn.
Q: What do you enjoy most about working for Registry Partners?
A: I thoroughly enjoy the flexibility of work hours.
Q: How did you become interested in the CTR/Cancer Registry profession?
A: My interest in the cancer registry profession began when I was working in a position in Medical Records and at the time my parents were both diagnosed with cancer. I applied for the cancer registrar position to help make a difference in the cure for cancer and was delighted to begin my career as a Cancer Data Analyst/Registrar.
Jackie serves as a data abstraction subject matter expert, ensuring data accuracy through quality control oversight, while keeping abreast of industry specific data collection rules and specification changes and providing ongoing education to her assigned data abstraction teams. Additionally, she provides mentoring of on-site staff upon client request. Jackie resides in Iowa with her husband and their four children. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, camping, fishing, sports, family game nights, and interior decorating.
Past Experience:
Prior to working with Registry Partners, Jackie spent four years as a Cancer Data Specialist and five years as a Certified Tumor Registrar for Mercy Medical Center in Iowa.
Education/Certifications:
Jackie has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Iowa and is a Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR).
Professional Associations:
Jackie is a member of the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA) as well as the Iowa Cancer Registrars Association (ICRA).
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Project CTR, Quality Control Manage
Q & A with Jackie:
Q: What are the best resources to maintain your understanding the continually evolving changes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer?
A: 1) Educate ourselves on disease processes rather than “registry rules” so that we have a deeper understanding of the information we are recording. This can be done through reviewing NCCN Guidelines for treatment recommendations or through open conversations with clinicians. 2) Stay sensitive to the fact that these are real people’s lives and our job has an impact and opportunity to help develop better treatments for cancer. Use this as a driving force to always stay on top of the game and have the most recent knowledge. 3) Maintain the ability and drive to look up answers in the many resources provided to us. We can often get busy and overloaded in this industry and it’s important to always look up information in our accrediting body manuals, on the CAnswer forum or ask questions among our peers to ensure we are doing things correctly.
Q: What are your family’s favorite games to play together?
A: We enjoy playing many board games such as Telestrations, The Game of Things, Apples to Apples, Balderdash … we also have competitive wiffle ball games and ping pong matches!
Q: Do you have any recommendations for individuals considering a profession in cancer registry?
A: I highly recommend considering a profession in cancer registry. It has evolved tremendously over the years. I work with such talented and educated individuals; I am proud to call myself a CTR. If you are detail oriented, like business, like writing, like healthcare, just to name a few… you will find some aspect you enjoy about cancer registry. As a mother of 4 children, I needed a career that was flexible. Being a CTR gave me a career to grow in. Being a CTR/QC Manager for Registry Partners gave me a career that is flexible and allows me to better manage, not only my work responsibilities, but my family responsibilities also. And the growth and opportunity for advancement is endless.
Janet directs and oversees all aspects of her assigned projects ensuring compliance with registry standards and specifications. She ensures the goals and objectives of each project are met through oversight and quality control of her data abstraction teams. Additionally, she provides mentoring of on-site staff upon client request. Janet resides in Michigan and has three children. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, biking, walking, baking, traveling, photography, spending time with her family and watching her children play sports.
Past Experience:
Janet began her cancer registry career working for Saginaw General Hospital in Saginaw, Michigan as a Tumor Registrar where she started the facilities cancer registry and defined the cancer registry operations and pertinent cancer program activities. Later she accepted a position with St. Mary’s Medical Center, Seton Cancer Institute, in Saginaw, Michigan where she held the position of Cancer Registry Coordinator/Office Manager for eight years.
Education/Certifications:
Janet has an Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology and a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Information Management, both from Baker College in Michigan. She is certified as an Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) and Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR).
Professional Associations:
Janet is a member of the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA) and the Michigan Cancer Registrars Association (MICRA).
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Project CTR, Project and Quality Control Manager
Q & A with Janet:
Q: What advice would you give to other individuals considering a cancer registry career and pursuing their CTR?
A: A career in cancer registry can be very challenging with updates and changes and various governing bodies providing instruction manuals for data collection/coding … this is the heart of a cancer registrars job duties. The data collection provides hope for changes in therapies, updates to existing therapies and various new developments. There are many opportunities as a cancer registrar as you begin to understand the importance of detail and quality and the vast impact it has. The diagnosis of cancer is felt on many levels, most importantly the patient, but also family, caregivers both medical and non-medical, scientists, and the like. A cancer registrars’ is an integral part of analyzing the cancer population and information looking for improvements for the patient’s you serve. The rewards of a career in cancer registry, always outweigh the challenges … knowing what you do every day impacts each patient. Throughout your career you will see and hear news bulletins and advertisements for new drugs, surgical techniques, radiation advances, improved survival statistics, new or revised screening programs and early detection methods … this will make your heart smile knowing the work you do has impacted these changes. Your hands may not be those of a surgeon, or a nurse, or an oncologist providing physical care, but your hands transform the patient cancer journey into a voice … through collection and management of this vitally important data.
Q: How did you become interested in the CTR/Cancer Registry profession?
A: At the onset of my career as a Health Information Management college graduate, I was given the opportunity to start a cancer registry. I truly knew only what had been presented briefly through college courses in the HIM program. As a teen, my best friend’s mom was diagnosed with cancer and sadly passed on. Many other family members had also been diagnosed and passed and others were still on their journey. It seemed like a perfect fit for me at the time. Although it was very challenging at first, I have never looked back, changed direction or felt the desire to do so. I greatly enjoy knowing my work is making a difference.
Q: When you entered into the cancer registry profession and became a CTR did you learn “on your own” or did you have a mentor? What benefits do you believe a mentor can provide vs. learning on your own?
A: I learned on my own as no one at the hospital had cancer registry experience, nor was there a current cancer program in place. I relied on my confidence to interact with physicians and other professionals and to read, comprehend, and understand what needed to be done to create and sustain a cancer program. I reached out to neighboring facilities for assistance with software programs, understanding the data collection manuals and cancer program standards that existed at the time. I also organized physician speakers and conferences to educate the physicians. To learn as you go has many benefits and you learn from your mistakes. It is always nice to have a contact person to ask questions, share your successes and someone to be your champion and your confidant. Learning on your own and having a mentor both have advantages and disadvantages. I am glad to work for Registry Partners because we provide mentoring services. I feel it is very important to ensure registrars keep up on the standards and expectations for cancer programs and data collection to ensure betterment for the cancer patient, which is always the primary goal.
Jennifer coordinates and manages Quality Control activities on her assigned projects through ongoing support and guidance of her data abstraction teams. Jennifer resides in Tennessee with her husband and two children. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, going to concerts and movies and volunteering at her church.
Past Experience:
Prior to joining Registry Partners, Jennifer served as a Cancer Registrar for Hospital Corporation of America where she performed various registry operations functions, coordinated monthly tumor conferences and quarterly Oncology committee meetings.
Education/Certifications:
Jennifer is a Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR).
Professional Associations:
Jennifer is a member of the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA) and the Tennessee Oncology Data Analysts Association (TODAA).
Previous Positions with Registry Partners:
Project CTR
Q & A with Jennifer:
Q: How did you become interested in the CTR/Cancer Registry profession?
A: I was employed as a secretary in the Radiation Oncology department of a large hospital. My manager was also the cancer registry manager. She had an opening in the registry and approached me about applying for it because she had been impressed with the job I was doing as a secretary. I had never heard of a cancer registry prior to that! Once I began researching the position and the responsibilities of a CTR, I knew that it would be a perfect fit for me. Healthcare is my passion, but I knew that hands on patient care was not for me for several reasons. I realized that working in the cancer registry was the perfect way to fulfill my desire to work in healthcare without direct patient contact, yet it would still have an impact and make a difference.
Q: What advice can you give others who may be considering a remote position outside of the clinical setting?
A: Working remotely definitely has more advantages than disadvantages. You have to be disciplined and structured to keep yourself on task since there is no one watching over you like in an office setting. Make sure you build good, solid working relationships with others in the same field and at the same company so that you have people to reach out to and you will not feel isolated and alone. Finally, as cliché as it may sound, if you want to work remotely, just do it! Do your research and find a position that you love and it will be the most rewarding thing you can do for yourself and your family!
Q: Why do you believe clinical data registries are so important?
A: I believe that clinical data registries are so important because the information entered into them help to advance healthcare in so many ways. I feel that as a CTR, the information that I enter into the registry plays a huge role in cancer treatment and outcomes. The data helps physicians and patients decide on the best course of treatment and improves future patient care.
Jennifer directs and oversees all aspects of her assigned projects ensuring compliance with registry standards and specifications. She ensures the goals and objectives of each project are met through oversight and quality control of her data abstraction teams. Additionally, she provides mentoring of on-site staff upon client request. Jennifer resides in Missouri with her husband, son and her English bulldogs, Daisy May and Marley. In Jennifer’s spare time she enjoys watching her son play football, soccer, basketball and baseball. She also enjoys painting windows and old barn wood.
Past Experience:
Jennifer served as Certified Tumor Registrar with Mosaic Life Care (a member of the Mayo Clinic care network) where she completed general registry operations tasks, participated in tumor boards, assisted with the CoC survey process, served as the prostate cancer screening coordinator, assisted with Quality Improvement projects and assisted the medical oncology unit with QOPI (Quality Oncology Practice Initiative) certification. Jennifer’s other healthcare related experience includes working as a Recreation Therapy aide, Access Representative and Institutional Review Board Coordinator for Heartland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph, MO.
Education/Certifications:
Jennifer attended Missouri Western State University where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. Additionally, she completed Cancer Registry coursework through Santa Barbara Community College and is a Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR).
Professional Associations:
Jennifer is a member of the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA) and Missouri Tumor Registrars Association (MoSTRA).
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Project and Quality Control Manager
Q & A with Jennifer:
Q: How do you describe your career to friends and family?
A: I tell them that cancer is reportable to the State and I abstract cancer cases that are submitted to the state. The data is used for statistics and research. Even when I try to explain what I do, my husband says “I still don’t know what you do!”
Q: Did you have a mentor when you began your career in the cancer registry or did you learn on your own? What are the pros and cons for this type of learning?
A: I worked with 2 CTR’s that had a lot of experience. They helped me the best that they could but it was nothing like the mentoring program that Registry Partners offers to our clients. I would have loved to have an RPI mentor. I read a lot of manuals and figured things out myself. The con to learning on your own is that it is much harder. The pros to having a mentor is you have someone to ask questions and provide resources.
Q: What advice would you give to other individuals considering a cancer registry career and pursuing their CTR?
A: My advice would be to go for it. It is a rewarding job with advancement opportunities. I have worked in a hospital setting and have worked from home. It is nice to have different options to fit your needs.
Jennifer directs and oversees all aspects of her assigned projects ensuring compliance with registry standards and specifications. She ensures the goals and objectives of each project are met through oversight of her data abstraction teams. Jennifer resides in Florida with her husband and two sons. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, knitting, and most things Disney.
Past Experience:
Prior to joining Registry Partners, Jennifer worked as an RN Clinical Database Administrator, Technical Lead and Nursing Informatics Analyst, Systems Analyst and she has thirteen years of clinical nursing experience.
Education/Certifications:
Jennifer earned her Master of Science Degree in Nursing Informatics from the University of Maryland, Baltimore and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Rutgers University in New Jersey.
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Clinical Data Abstractor
Q & A with Jennifer:
Q: Why do you believe clinical data registries are so important?
A: Accurate data is power to make effective, meaningful change. When you have a specific data set that is shared across multiple institutions, you can not only affect change at the institutional level but also broad change affecting general policy and care. Registries provide guidance for providers and institutions to look internally and externally for specific patient care points that can increase patient care satisfaction, quality, and outcomes.
Q: With so many career options in healthcare, why did you choose a career focused on data collection and clinical outcomes?
A: I’ve always loved data, technology, and informatics. Every bedside job I’ve had, I was tagged as a superuser or expert since I had a knack for it. I used my GI Bill to earn my Master’s in Nursing Informatics and with that, I’ve evolved over time from system administrator, technology lead, data administrator, and now project management. I’ve loved the evolution. No two days are the same and there is minimal chance of being bored or stuck in a rut. On a more personal note, after 10 years in high acuity NICUs, I was burned out. The birth of my oldest son changed my perspective on direct patient care. I didn’t want to give up nursing, but I knew for myself that staying at the bedside wasn’t a long term path for me.
Q: What advice can you give to others with clinical experience who are looking to move away from direct patient care?
A: Use any opportunity presented to you outside of patient care that interests you. If data or technology interests you, let your boss, supervisor, or whomever know that you’d like to be involved with your EHR, registries, etc. If classes are offered, take them. Opportunities are there, but often they aren’t black or white and require some thinking outside of the box.
Jennifer directs and oversees all aspects of her assigned projects ensuring compliance with registry standards and specifications. She ensures the goals and objectives of each project are met through oversight of her data abstraction teams. Jennifer resides in Illinois with her husband and son along with two dogs. In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys reading, traveling, spending time with family and friends and working on DIY crafts.
Past Experience:
Jennifer worked as a Cancer Registrar at Swedish American Health System in Rockford, IL where she coordinated Cancer Committee meetings and minutes, breast & lung tumor conferences, day-to-day registry operations, and provided CoC standards education to cancer committee constituents including committee coordinators, physicians, and administrative staff.
Education/Certifications:
Jennifer earned her Associate’s Degree with honors in Cancer Information Management from Scott Community College in Bettendorf, Iowa. She also earned her Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR) credential.
Professional Associations:
National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA)
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Project CTR, Project Manager
Q & A with Jennifer:
Q: How did you become aware of the cancer registry profession?
A: My background was retail customer services until a friend of mine, who works as a medical biller/coder explained her job to me. I became really interested in learning more. She asked if I knew about Cancer Registry. I started by looking up the National Cancer Registrars Association to get more information about schooling and what was required. I found a school close to where I live, registered for classes and graduated 2 ½ years later with my degree in Cancer Information Management.
Q: What advice would you give to other individuals pursuing a cancer registry career and seeking their CTR certification?
A: My advice is to ask questions, lots and lots of questions. Always keep an open mind to learn as much as you can from those in the profession, never give up when it gets hard, frustrating or seems like you just aren’t getting it. You will. You will learn, grow and before you know it, you’ll be passing your knowledge on to someone else who is just starting out in the field too.
Q: What do you enjoy most about working for Registry Partners?
A: The people are what I enjoy most about working with Registry Partners. Everyone is absolutely amazing, helpful, encouraging and supportive. I love it! It is a really great feeling to know I am part of a team and that we are all there to help, encourage and support each other.
Jennifer directs and oversees all aspects of her assigned projects ensuring compliance with registry standards and specifications. She ensures the goals and objectives of each project are met through oversight of her data abstraction teams. Jennifer resides in Alabama and in her spare time she enjoys going to the beach, shopping and watching her children’s athletic events.
Past Experience:
Jennifer served as Cancer Registry Team Leader for Mobile Infirmary Medical Center in Mobile, Alabama where she devoted 22 years of her career which included Cancer Registry work, surgery scheduling, and bed placement.
Education/Certifications:
Jennifer earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of South Alabama and she is a Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR).
Professional Associations:
Jennifer is a member of the National Cancer Registrars Association and Alabama Cancer Registrars Association where she has served as Parliamentarian and Historian.
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Project CTR, Project Manager
Q & A with Jennifer:
Q: How did you become interested in the CTR/Cancer Registry profession?
A: At the facility that I was at previously, I was working in surgery scheduling. A friend that I had worked with had moved to the cancer registry department. She felt like it would be something that I would be interested in due to me doing so much research during my husband’s first diagnosis of cancer. I had become very outspoken for early detection and prevention by supporting Relay for Life with the American Cancer Society.
Q: How have you changed your work habits working in a remote environment?
A: Working from home has been a big adjustment. My husband has helped me to adjust by purchasing me my very own She-shed (10 x 16 measurement). It is separate from the house! I have very little distractions except for the birds on my bird feeders outside my windows!
Q: How do you describe your career to others who are not in the cancer registry field?
A: Most people who don’t work in the cancer registry field think that we register patients to have procedures done. This profession, I think, is best described by one of my former co-workers. She has always said that we are telling the patient’s cancer story from beginning to end. By entering all of their information in a database we report back treatment trends to physicians to let them know what is working and also at the state and national level to show what is working in different areas of the country. I tell them that the numbers that we report are the statistics that the American Cancer Society are publishing in their reports. We are a different kind of voice for the patient.
Jeremy directs and oversees all aspects of her assigned projects ensuring compliance with registry standards and specifications. He ensures the goals and objectives of each project are met through oversight of his data abstraction teams. Jeremy resides in Colorado and enjoys competition country dancing, rodeo rough stock competitions, horses, trail-riding and hiking.
Past Experience:
Jeremy has served as Cancer Registry Supervisor for Centura Health, a thirteen hospital system with nine CoC accredited cancer programs. He also served as a Certified Tumor Registrar for the WakeMed & University of North Carolina cancer registries. Before entering into the cancer registry profession, Jeremy worked in a pathology lab performing histologic gross examinations, autopsies and data analysis.
Education/Certifications:
Jeremy earned his Associate degree in General Sciences and Sociology and is pursuing his Bachelor of Science degree in Biostatistics. He is a Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR) and is also considering a graduate degree in Oncology Data Analytics.
Professional Associations:
Jeremy is a member of the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA).
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Project Manager
Q & A with Jeremy:
Q: What advice can you share on how best to deal with change when it occurs in the registry profession?
A: Every system no matter how complex, has component pieces and logic building upon one another. Take any major change and break it down into its component parts related to a specific piece of something you recognize. Once you understand the small details then the larger picture comes into place, much like constructing a jigsaw puzzle by laying out the edge pieces first.
Q: When you entered into the cancer registry profession and became a CTR, did you learn on your own or did you have a mentor? What benefits do you believe a mentor can provide?
A: I had a mentor that believed we should memorize all details and rely very little on the manuals. This was not a pleasant experience but it was beneficial because it taught me the which/where/how of our manuals since I had to defend my abstracts often against, “Well that’s not how I do it.” I believe a mentor can offer the benefit of saying, “I don’t know, but a manual does, so let’s find the answer together.”
Q: How did you become aware of the cancer registry profession and what did you do to prepare for the CTR certification?
A: I was recruited from pathology into the cancer registry field. The cancer registry of that hospital worked with me frequently while I was in pathology and noticed my skill sets with biology, mathematics, memory, and computers. It seemed interesting so I made the jump from histology slides and autopsies to databases. I prepared for the CTR exam by studying of course, but also by walking away from the manuals at times until I could see the gears behind the overall system. Once I understood the clockwork mechanics the larger elements started to fall into place.
Jessica serves as a data abstraction subject matter expert, ensuring data accuracy through quality control oversight, while keeping abreast of industry specific data collection rules and specification changes and providing ongoing education to her assigned data abstraction teams. Additionally, she provides mentoring of on-site staff upon client request. Jessica resides in Georgia. She enjoys music, reading, ballet, painting, photography and spending time with her family.
Past Experience:
Prior to joining Registry Partners, Jessica began working in the cancer registry field as a Tumor Registrar at Northside Hospital in Atlanta, GA; Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta, GA as Cancer Data Registrar; both facilities were CoC accredited cancer programs; Research Technician for Emory University in Atlanta, GA and Lab Analyst with Analytical Services, Inc. in Norcross, GA.
Education/Certifications:
Jessica earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Clayton State University in Morrow, GA and her Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology from DeVry University in Decatur, GA. She is a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) and Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR).
Professional Associations:
Jessica is a member of the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA), presently serving as a mentor for the association as well as the Georgia Tumor Registrars Association (GATRA) and the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Project CTR, Quality Control Specialist, Quailty Control Manager
Q & A with Jessica:
Q: What advice would you give to other individuals considering a cancer registry career and pursuing their CTR?
A: If you are considering a cancer registry career, research your options and talk to a CTR. If you are pursuing your CTR, secure a mentor and take advantage of educational opportunities.
Q: What tips can you provide that may help a CTR improve their abstraction skills and become a more efficient abstractor?
A: Repetition, up-to-date education, and knowledge and usage of abstracting manuals/references. Confer with fellow CTRs and utilize SEER SINQ and the CAnswer Forum when you have questions.
Q: What do you like most about your position as a Quality Control Manager?
A: Providing education and support to CTRs.
Joanne (Jo) serves as a clinical data abstraction subject matter expert, ensuring data accuracy through quality control oversight, while keeping abreast of industry specific data collection rules and specification changes and providing ongoing education to her assigned data abstraction teams. Jo resides in Florida with her husband and daughter. In her spare time she enjoys going to Disney World and SeaWorld, reading, camping, swimming, visiting the beach, watching movies and exploring new places.
Past Experience:
Jo’s professional experience includes serving for six years as a Clinical Specialist II for Orlando Health, where she abstracted data for all core measure modules and served as a back-up supervisor; additionally, she spent five years working as a Home Care Nurse for Senior Home Care in Orlando and also has experience as a HEDIS Medical Records Reviewer for Managed Access Inc. in Tampa, FL.
Education/Certifications:
Jo completed her nursing degree at Sussex Downs School of Nursing in the United Kingdom in 1992 and became a Registered General Nurse (R.G.N) in the U.K. She then became an RN in the U.S. in 1993 and is presently licensed in the state of Florida. In addition she has completed Basic Life Support (B.L.S.) certification.
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Clinical Data Abstractor and Validation Specialist
Q & A with Jo:
Q: What do you find to be the most rewarding part of your health care quality career?
A: Still being able to affect outcomes for patients. As hands-on nurses we want to care for our patients in the best way. As a healthcare quality professional, I can still monitor effectiveness of care for specific conditions, and show ways to improve, which will ultimately improve the patient’s quality of care.
Q: What do you like most about your position as a Validation Manager?
A: The great team that we have here at Registry Partners! Everyone I work with is wonderful! We all pitch in and help when needed, every single employee is truly valued, and the support from management is the best I have encountered in my healthcare career.
Q: What tips can you provide that may help a clinical data abstractor improve their abstraction skills and become a more efficient abstractor?
A: Double and triple check your work, and ask questions if you are unsure! Great communication with your team is the key to success. If you have corrections back from your validation team, please make specific notes for future abstractions, and again, ask questions if you are not understanding what is incorrect. We are here to help! Draw on all of the expertise within your team and always keep your guidelines open for reference, even if you think you know them inside and out! Lastly, if you are abstracting a tough case, and feel like you are reading the same documents over and over without getting anywhere, take a break, or go back to it the next day. Having a rested mind can help tremendously!
Joelle directs and oversees all aspects of her assigned projects ensuring compliance with registry standards and specifications. She ensures the goals and objectives of each project are met through oversight of her data abstraction teams. Joelle resides in Pennsylvania and in her spare time enjoys spending time with her family and friends, riding her horse, camping, walking with her dog, reading, and volunteering and serving on the worship team at her church.
Past Experience:
Joelle served as Registry Services manager for UHS Health System in New York where she was in charge of seven hospital registries. During her tenure at UHS, she assisted other team members with achieving the Stroke Program Gold Plus award status, the Trauma Program’s initial verification with the ACoS, and the Cancer Program’s National Accreditation Program of Breast Centers (NAPBC) re-accreditation. She has also served in capacities such as Health Information Management Director, Medical Records Supervisor and Medical Transcriptionist.
Education/Certifications:
Joelle received her Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Management from Broome Community College in New York. She is also a Registered Health Information Technologist (RHIT) and a Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR).
Professional Associations:
Joelle is a member of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), The Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Information Management Association (NEPHIMA), the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA) and the Pennsylvania Cancer Registrars Association (PACR).
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Project CTR, Project Manager
Q & A with Joelle:
Q: How did you become interested in the cancer registry profession?
A: I was working as a coder at a local hospital. I became friends with the tumor registrar as her cubicle was right next to mine, and was always interested in what she did. As she explained her job to me I was fascinated with this type of work. She encouraged me to check into the cancer registry career and provided me with resources to do so. She later turned into my mentor and trained me as I began my career in Cancer Registry.
Q: What makes your career interesting?
A: I love the fact that this career is always changing, and that new treatments are being developed that provide better outcomes. There are always opportunities to learn! It is so rewarding to see that all of the data we so carefully collect and how it is used to generate national statistics as well as provide support to our cancer programs as we look for ways to improve patient care.
Q: How do you describe the cancer registry profession and the work we do to family and friends?
A: To those unfamiliar with what we do, I think our work can be best described as recording the cancer patient’s journey, beginning with their diagnosis and following them to end of life. This journey includes their diagnosis, their workup to assess the extent of their cancer, assignment of their cancer stage, recording their treatment, and then following them throughout their lives, documenting cancer free intervals and/or recurrences.
Kate directs and oversees all aspects of her assigned projects ensuring compliance with registry standards and specifications. She ensures the goals and objectives of each project are met through oversight of her data abstraction teams. Kate resides in Connecticut with her husband and daughter. In her spare time, she enjoys attending her daughter’s archery, singing and theater events, reading, crocheting and spending time with her family.
Past Experience:
Prior to joining Registry Partners, Kate worked as a Cancer Registrar for Yale-New Haven Hospital in New Haven, CT. She also managed a large plant tissue culture program with laboratory and greenhouse departments.
Education/Certifications:
Kate earned her Master’s degree in Health care Administration from Southern New Hampshire University and a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Horticulture from the University of Connecticut. She is also a Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR).
Professional Associations:
Kate is a member of the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA).
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Project CTR
Q & A with Kate:
Q: How did you become aware of the Cancer Registry profession?
A: I was studying nursing as a second career and had completed the pre-nursing course requirements when I first heard about the Cancer Registry. I learned that the requirements for certification included the pre-nursing courses I had just completed. My daughter was a toddler at the time, and I realized that the Cancer Registry profession might provide a valuable work-life balance. In this profession, I am able to have a meaningful career where we work together to make a difference in the fight against cancer, while also being able to work from home and be present for important events in my daughter’s childhood.
Q: What advice can you give to others considering a Cancer Registry career and pursuing their CTR?
A: You will not regret it! A Cancer Registry career plays a meaningful role in the fight against cancer. There are so many opportunities to work from home or in a hospital or state registry. As you pursue your CTR and start out in the field, there will be a lot to learn. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and always keep your manuals nearby.
Q: Why do you believe clinical data registries are so important?
A: Clinical data registries are extremely important because the information collected in them is used to improve quality of care, patient safety, and patient outcomes. The information collected by Cancer Registrars is used by physicians and researchers to study the causes of cancer, the effectiveness of different treatments and clinical trials, and ultimately to improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden of cancer.
Kellie directs and oversees all aspects of her assigned projects ensuring compliance with registry standards and specifications. She ensures the goals and objectives of each project are met through oversight and quality control of her data abstraction teams. Additionally, she provides mentoring of on-site staff upon client request. Kellie resides in Pennsylvania. She has two children and four grandchildren. In her spare time she enjoys working outside in the yard, reading, shopping and antiquing.
Past Experience:
Prior to joining Registry Partners, Kellie worked in the cancer registry at UPMC Northwest Medical Center in Seneca, PA; served as a cancer registry Data Abstractor for Watson Clinic & Center for Cancer Care & Research in Lakeland, FL; and worked as a cancer registrar for Potomac Hospital in Woodbridge, VA.
Education/Certifications:
Kellie has an Associates Degree in Business Science from Robert Morris University in Coraopolis, PA and is a Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR).
Professional Associations:
She is a member of the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA) and the Florida Cancer Registrars Association (FCRA).
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Project CTR, Project and Quality Control Manager, Project Director
Q & A with Kellie:
Q: How have you changed your work habits working in a remote environment?
A: As I was used to regular business hours (M-F) while working “outside of the home”, I continue the same regimen while working remotely; however, it is nice having the flexibility of working different hours if needed.
Q: What advice would you give to other individuals considering a cancer registry career and pursuing their CTR?
A: I say “’go for it”! It is such a rewarding and unique career that is always evolving.
Q: What do you enjoy most about working for Registry Partners?
A: The Registry Partners organization is a “team” made up of caring and compassionate individuals who are always there to support and uplift you … something that I had never experienced in any of my prior positions.
Kelly directs and oversees all aspects of her assigned projects ensuring compliance with registry standards and specifications. She ensures the goals and objectives of each project are met through oversight of her data abstraction teams. Kelly resides in Florida with her husband and they have three children and three grandchildren. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking and catering special events.
Past Experience:
Prior to joining Registry Partners, Kelly served as Quality Manager for Outcomes Registries at Halifax Health in Daytona Beach, FL where she worked in registries such as Cath PCI, ICD, and STS. She has also served as a Cardiac Cath Lab Nurse Educator and a Cardiac Cath Lab Staff Nurse.
Education/Certifications:
Kelly earned her Associate Degree in Nursing from West Virginia University and is licensed as a Registered Nurse license. She is pursuing her CPHQ (Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality) certification through the National Association of Healthcare Quality.
Professional Associations:
Kelly is a member of the American Nurses Association and is also a volunteer with the Volusia Volunteers in Medicine – an organization providing healthcare for the uninsured working class.
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Senior Project Manager
Q & A with Kelly:
Q: What do you find as the most rewarding part of your career in healthcare quality?
A: The field of healthcare quality is growing exponentially. Hospitals, insurance companies, government agencies, and patients are realizing the value of quality measurement. We play an active role in research, education, development of standards of care, best practice, and accountability. Through our efforts, patients are receiving better care, living longer, and experiencing a higher quality of life. Our profession is an integral part of changing the way healthcare is provided in our country. I am honored to be a part of it.
Q: Why do you believe clinical data registries are so important?
A: Clinical data registries provide vital information to many aspects of healthcare. The most obvious is for research, tracking short and long term effects of new treatments and devices. They also provide national benchmarks, to assist healthcare professionals to evaluate the care provided at their facility compared to others. Clinical data registries also foster the sharing of ideas and solutions to common problems. They provide a means for healthcare professionals to track the quality of care provided, identify areas of opportunity, and provide education. Ultimately, patients receive a higher quality of care because of the information provided by these registries.
Q: If you could select one memorable moment that occurred throughout your career, what would it be and why?
A: A hospital facility I worked for previously, had a struggling surgical program. Through the information provided from participation with STS Adult Cardiac Registry and a lot of teamwork, we were able to raise our program from a one-star rating (the lowest) to a three-star rating (the highest.) This was a huge achievement for the quality of care the patients received. They spent less time in the hospital and recovered faster with fewer complications. The hospital was able to reduce costs, and elevate its reputation as a center of distinction for cardiac surgery in the region. It was a win for everyone involved!
Kessandra directs and oversees all aspects of her assigned projects ensuring compliance with registry standards and specifications. She ensures the goals and objectives of each project are met through oversight of her data abstraction teams. Kessandra resides in California and in her spare time she enjoys hiking, kayaking and cooking with ingredients from her garden.
Past Experience:
Prior to joining Registry Partners, Kessandra served as a Data Collection Specialist for the Los Angeles Cancer Surveillance Program through the University of Southern California.
Education/Certifications:
Kessandra earned her Bachelor of Art Degree from Regent University and her Masters of Public Health from Azusa Pacific University and she is a Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR).
Professional Associations:
Kessandra is a member of the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA) and the California Cancer Registrars Association (CCRA).
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Project CTR
Q & A with Kessandra:
Q: How did you become aware of the Certified Tumor Registrar profession and what did you do to prepare for the CTR exam?
A: I first learned of the CTR profession while working for the Los Angeles Cancer Surveillance Program (CSP) which is the Regional Registry for Los Angeles County. I had been aware of the cancer registry field for many years as my dad was the Director of the CSP but it wasn’t until later in my career that I began to look into becoming a CTR. To prepare for the exam I relied heavily on the SEER educate resources, primarily focusing on the sample cases to test my knowledge, and also used the NCRA CTR prep workbook and tests.
Q: What advice would you give someone considering a career in cancer registry and pursuing their CTR certification?
A: I’d advise anyone considering a career in the cancer registry field to become comfortable with adapting to change because this field is one that changes quickly and frequently.
Q: How have you changed your work habits working in a remote environment?
A: Working from home has been great because it offers me better flexibility and has greatly improved my work/life balance. It’s important to be self-motivated in a remote position because you spend a lot of your time alone rather than in an office with coworkers but I find I’m more efficient and focused on my tasks when I work from home.
Kimberly (Kim) directs and oversees all aspects of her assigned projects ensuring compliance with registry standards and specifications. She ensures the goals and objectives of each project are met through oversight of her data abstraction teams. Kim resides in Michigan with her husband and they have two sons. In Kim’s spare time, she enjoys bicycling, gardening and camping with her family.
Past Experience:
Prior to joining Registry Partners, Kim served as Cancer Registrar for McLaren Regional Medical Center in Flint, MI. As Cancer Registrar, she completed general registry operations tasks, served as tumor conference coordinator, and assisted with annual report preparation and research studies. In 2012 she was promoted to Oncology Data Coordinator for McLaren overseeing the overall operations of the cancer registry department, including CoC survey preparation, NCDB and State reporting, preparing quality studies and supervising other team members.
Education/Certifications:
Kim is a Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR)
Professional Associations:
Kim is a member of the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA) and Michigan Cancer Registrars Association (MICRA).
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Project CTR, Project Manager
Q & A with Kim:
Q: What is the recommendation you most often share with cancer committee membership?
A: The importance of following the CoC Standards. When I prepare the presentation for cancer committee, I include the definition for each standard that is being addressed at the meeting, which I feel is helpful for the membership.
Q: How do you describe your career to friends and family?
A: I posed this question to my husband he laughed and said you have been a CTR for 19 years and I still don’t know what you do … I laughed as well. However, when I do describe my career, I state that I collect data from newly diagnosed cancer patients including stage, surgical procedures and any treatments they receive and follow the patient for the remainder of their life. I also explain that the data that the Cancer Registry collects plays a key role in treatments and cures for all types of cancer.
Q: Do you have any tips you can share from your recent survey?
A: Document, document, document! If it is not documented it didn’t happen! Detailed Cancer Committee minutes are an integral part of the CoC survey process. The surveyor reviews the minutes from your 3-year survey cycle, which will give him or her the tools to accurately navigate through your SAR and hopefully lead to an Outstanding Achievement Award for your program!
Kimberly serves as a data abstraction subject matter expert, ensuring data accuracy through quality control oversight while keeping abreast of industry-specific data collection rules and specification changes and providing ongoing education to her assigned data abstraction teams. Kim resides in North Carolina with her husband. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, training, running, hiking, attending art festivals and playing with her dogs.
Past Experience:
Prior to joining Registry Partners, Kimberly served as Certified Tumor Registrar for Mission Hospital in North Carolina.
Education/Certifications:
Kim earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, MA and her Master’s in Business Administration from National American University in Rapid City, SD. Kim is also a Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR).
Professional Associations:
Kim is a member of the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA).
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Project CTR, Quality Analyst
Q & A with Kimberly:
Q: How did you become interested in the CTR/Cancer Registry profession?
A: I’d never heard of the Cancer Registry profession until a local magazine profiled someone at a local hospital; I never even knew that kind of job existed! Coincidentally, I read the article while I was undergoing treatment for cancer myself and beginning to realize that while I’ve run countless 10ks and 5ks to raise money for cancer research, I wanted to be more in the trenches of finding a cure. As a cancer survivor, I knew that I not only wanted to make my own harrowing story count toward the greater good, I wanted to do that for others who have to make the same, life-changing journey I did.
Q: What tips can you provide that may help a CTR improve their abstraction skills or become a more efficient abstractor?
A: It can be hard to keep up with all the rules and changes in our profession, but it’s so important! Besides that, I seek out the timeline behind each patient’s story; taking notes in chronological order helps me keep the details in the right places. That way, when I’m abstracting, I know where to look to quickly find each piece of information.
Q: How have you changed your work habits working in a remote environment?
A: I’ve always been a self-disciplined, detail-oriented person – I think most CTRs are… but working from home has certainly brought new opportunities and challenges. It’s wonderful to be able to manage your own time, affect the balance of work and play as you need it, and create whatever office atmosphere suits you best (no-one else has to listen to my Broadway show tunes but me!). It can be challenging, however, to stay organized, to handle all of the small office details (am I out of paper? Did I order printer ink?) and even be an advocate for yourself if you are having issues since working remotely means no one is sitting in the room with you to see if you’re struggling. Overall, I love working remotely, especially for RP!
Lauren coordinates and manages Quality Control activities on her assigned projects through ongoing support and guidance of her data abstraction teams. Lauren resides in Louisiana. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, quality time with family and friends and being outdoors with her dog.
Past Experience:
Prior to joining Registry Partners, Lauren worked for Lafayette General Medical Center in Louisiana as an Oncology Registrar where she was involved with all aspects of the cancer program.
Education/Certifications:
Lauren earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and is a Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR).
Professional Associations:
Lauren in a member of the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA) and the Louisiana Cancer Registrars Association (LCRA).
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Project CTR
Q & A with Lauren:
Q: How did you become interested in the CTR/Cancer Registry profession?
A: I became interested in the cancer registry profession when I was working in a physician’s office and started a friendly conversation with a patient that worked in the cancer registry profession. She explained to me what exactly a cancer registry is and why it is so important. I was instantly intrigued. I went home that night, researched the profession more, and quickly realized that it was the career path I wanted to pursue.
Q: What qualities do you feel are necessary for someone to be a good cancer registrar?
A: In order to be a good cancer registrar, it is necessary that you are detail oriented and always willing to learn and adapt to changes. Being detail-oriented in our profession is necessary in order to ensure we are contributing high quality and accurate data. The cancer registry profession is constantly changing, whether it be new data items we need to collect or new cancer staging systems being released, an eagerness & willingness to learn and adapt to change is necessary to be successful in this profession.
Q: What advice would you give to someone considering a cancer registry career and pursuing their CTR?
A: I would tell someone interested in a cancer registry career to reach out to someone in the profession that could help guide or mentor them and most importantly don’t give up! This profession is truly rewarding and serves a great purpose in that the data we collect is used by researchers and physicians to treat and prevent cancer.
Linda serves in a consulting and support role for the Oncology Services Business Development Team. Linda resides in Illinois with her husband. They have two daughters and enjoy spending time with their grandchildren
Past Experience:
Linda spent twenty-four years as the Cancer Program Coordinator for Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington, receiving the Outstanding Achievement Award from the Commission on Cancer in 2004 and again in 2007.
Education/Certifications:
Linda attended Illinois State University with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree, majoring in Health Information Management. She earned two national certifications as Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) and Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR). Some time ago, she was selected by the American College of Surgeons, Commission on Cancer (CoC) as a CoC-trained consultant.
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Senior Project Manager, Clinical Services Director and Vice President of Accreditation Services, Director of Business Development – Oncology Services
Q & A with Linda:
Q: What are some of your experiences as a CoC-trained consultant?
A: One of the best opportunities I have as a Commission on Cancer-Trained Consultant is meeting oncology leaders all over the country. They are all passionate about the work they do for oncology patients and are unceasingly supportive of the programs and opportunities available to their patients. A cancer patient’s diagnosis and treatment is multidisciplinary which requires cooperation and coordination to a higher degree than many diseases. That coordination requires an attitude of partnership that is always evident when I visit hospitals. Each facility has unique strengths and opportunities for growth, but their commitment to better outcomes for all of us is always the priority.
I enjoy learning about each of the facilities I visit, especially how the hospital came to be and the impact they have had on their community. All of my visits prove health care continues to be changing and healthcare providers are always busy people. Listening to patient navigators and community outreach coordinators allows me to see and understand the patient population and the barriers they may be experiencing. Every hospital is striving to achieve the best possible environment for quality care.
I always feel fortunate and honored to be considered part of a cancer program team.
Liz directs and oversees all aspects of her assigned projects ensuring compliance with registry standards and specifications. She ensures the goals and objectives of each project are met through oversight of her data abstraction teams. Liz resides in Iowa and in her spare time she enjoys spending time with her children, homeschooling, reading period-pieces and serving her church.
Past Experience:
Liz has worked as a Clinical Data Analyst for UnityPoint Health in Des Moines, IA and also served as a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Nurse for Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, IA and worked as an Emergency Department Nurse for St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, IA.
Education/Certifications:
Liz earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids, IA. She is a Registered Nurse (RN) and certified as a Surgical Clinical Reviewer (SCR) through the American College of Surgeons, National Surgical Quality Improvement Program.
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Clinical Data Abstractor
Q & A with Liz:
Q: What tips can you provide a clinical data abstractor that may help them improve their abstraction skills and become more efficient?
A: After I have trained on a new registry or a new EMR system, I utilize a roadmap/guide of moving through the chart in the most efficient manner to capture all the variables. This allows me to develop a flow that soon becomes automatic but also gives me peace of mind that I won’t miss anything in my abstraction. This also allows me to pick up where I left off in a chart, confident that the previous steps have already been done. This method can be applied to and adapted for similar EMR systems and registries when I start a new project.
Q: What advice can you give others who may be considering a remote position outside the clinical setting?
A: Working remotely has provided me with an opportunity to stay in the workforce that I might not otherwise have, especially as a nurse. It may seem daunting to manage your workflow from home, but the flexibility and autonomy that it provides is a refreshing alternative to the typical work week. With a little diligence and personal accountability, you soon develop a system to complete your commitments in a timely, efficient manner. Recently I started using Google calendar to schedule my weekly work hours in addition to my other commitments. This allows me a map of how I will meet my hours committed for the week without feeling overwhelmed. I’ve been working from home in various capacities for about seven years now and it is hard for me to imagine working any other way!
Q: With so many career options in the healthcare industry, why did you choose a career focused on data collection and clinical outcomes?
A: I think that as bedside nurses we have great opportunities to make a personal impact, patient by patient, and that is so important to the patient experience. However, in the role of data collection and analytics, we are able to have a broader impact on the patient populations as a whole. The role of data in monitoring clinical outcomes and making quality improvements is only growing and it is an exciting career field to be in. I love that data gives clinicians the information that they need to take an accurate look at how their patients are doing and to confidently make changes. It eliminates so much of the guess work in evaluating the clinical outcomes of our patient populations and it’s driving force is improving the actual care that is delivered.
Lori directs and oversees all aspects of her assigned projects ensuring compliance with registry standards and specifications. She ensures the goals and objectives of each project are met through oversight and quality control of her data abstraction teams. Lori resides in Idaho and has two children and a cocker spaniel. In her spare time she enjoys traveling and exploring new places, home remodeling and landscaping, playing golf, walks in the Treasure Valley area and spending time with her family and friends.
Past Experience:
Prior to joining Registry Partners, Lori served as a Client Services Manager for four years and a Cancer Registry Manager for two years for CHAMPS Oncology. She has worked for the Idaho Cancer Data Registry, served as Cancer Tumor Registrar for St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise and has seven years of experience working as a CTR Consultant.
Education/Certifications:
Lori earned her Associate of Science Degree in Health Information Technology from Boise State University and is certified as a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) and Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR).
Professional Associations:
Lori is a member of the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA) where she has served as Western Advocacy and Technical Practice Director, GPEC Committee Member, Education Foundation Committee Member/Treasurer, and Nominating Committee Member (West); the Idaho Cancer Data Registrars Association (IACDR) where she has served as Secretary/Treasurer; the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and the Idaho Health Information Management Association.
Previous Positions at Registry Partner:
Project Manager
Q & A with Lori:
Q: How did you become aware of the CTR profession & what did you do to prepare for the CTR certification?
A: I became aware of the CTR profession as I was working on my health science degree and completing the clinical hours for my RHIT internship. I was fortunate enough to be offered the opportunity to apply with the cancer registry after completing my clinical hours and subsequently got the job. The cancer program was made up of devoted professionals who were committed to the overall care of the patient and the patient’s family. These individuals served as mentors to me, providing education and encouragement as I took on this important CTR role. Shortly after obtaining my CTR certificate my father was diagnosed with cancer, which reinforced the need of quality data to be tracked throughout the patient’s life time.
Q: There have been many changes implemented throughout your cancer registry career. Do you have a specific change that stands out as the most memorable change? What advice can you share on how best to deal with change when it occurs in the registry profession?
A: I served on the NCRA Board of Directors during a timeframe where it became evident the importance of the CTR profession in order to advocate for accurate staffing and salaries. I was able to participate on the board to exhibit the need to reshape and upgrade the CTR education by requiring a health science associate degree. This was the starting point for CTRs to receive a national Bureau of Labor Statistics code for our profession. The advice I can share on how to deal with change occurring in the profession is challenging one’s self and not losing sight of the role a CTR plays in the patient’s care, ultimately providing quality data used by oncology professionals and cancer researchers. In other words, when we feel overwhelmed by increased data collection fields or codes – we need to keep in mind that our work is changing the care for someone’s father, mother, sibling or child.
Q: If you could select one memorable moment that has occurred throughout your healthcare career what would it be and why?
A: I enjoy the opportunity to educate/mentor others about our profession. It’s inspirational when an individual gets excited about this profession and I have contributed to their decision to choose the CTR career path.
Lynn directs and oversees all aspects of her assigned projects ensuring compliance with registry standards and specifications. She ensures the goals and objectives of each project are met through oversight of her project management and data abstraction teams. Lynn resides in North Carolina with her husband and she has one daughter. In her spare time she enjoys running, camping, white water rafting and bike riding.
Past Experience:
Lynn’s past work experience includes working as an ER nurse, Critical Care nurse, Home Care Clinical Coordinator, Public Health Communicable Disease Coordinator and Surgical Clinical Reviewer (SCR) for Columbus Regional Healthcare System in Whiteville, NC. While at Columbus Regional, Lynn also worked as an informatics analyst for physicians assisting with building electronic physician order sets, troubleshooting, and EHR upgrade testing. She was also involved with collection of physician quality OPPE/FPPE data, facilitated the physician peer review process and assisted with providing physician training on CPOE.
Education/Certifications:
Lynn received her Associate Degree in Nursing from Southeastern Community College in Whiteville, NC followed by her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from East Carolina University. She has completed certifications in both ACLS and PALS, as well as Mobile Intensive Care Unit nurse, Trauma nurse core course and AHA CPR Instructor. In addition, Lynn became certified as a Surgical Clinical Reviewer (SCR) through the American College of Surgeons NSQIP program.
Professional Associations:
Lynn is presently a member of the North Carolina Nurses Association and the National Association of Healthcare Quality (NAHQ) as well as Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Clinical Data Abstractor, Validation Specialist and Project Manager
Q & A with Lynn
Q: How did you become interested in the healthcare quality field?
A: Before moving into quality, I spent most of my nursing career as an emergency department and critical care nurse. In the emergency room, we performed chart reviews to improve nursing care and documentation. I found myself looking forward to taking my turn completing the chart reviews. I even volunteered to complete reviews for other staff who found the task less than interesting. I also participated in quarterly chart audits during the time I worked in public health and recognized that perhaps my passion had moved from direct care into an area of healthcare that I had never considered before. Soon after, an opportunity became available to work in the Quality department at our local hospital as a core measures abstractor and I decided to pursue it. I was hired and began to discover that I didn’t know, how much I didn’t know, about healthcare process improvement but sure enjoyed learning.
Q: What do you find to be the most rewarding part of your career in healthcare quality?
A: I love knowing that what I do each day is part of a much bigger process that ultimately is improving the care that every patient receives at the bedside. When I worked as a registered nurse in a care-delivery role, I was only able to impact the care for those select patients I was responsible for during my shift. After my transition into quality, as I began learning the science behind the core measures, I realized that I was in a role that was part of a process that was impacting patient care day in and day out, even when I wasn’t working. I realized the impact was much broader than what my own hands could physically do. This is what I love about healthcare quality.
Q: How do you describe your career to family and friends?
A: I describe my role as a partnership with hospitals to gather their data to review for improving patient care. I explain that my role is to review what we did and when we did it to ensure it was done right and and determine how it impacted the patient’s health afterward.
Mandi directs and oversees the daily operations of the Oncology Services division specific to State Report Only projects and Quality Control providing direct supervision of Project Directors, Quality Control Managers, Project Specialists and Project CTR teams. She oversees Registry Operations and Quality Control processes and standardization and provides sales support to the business development team. Mandi resides in Indiana with her husband, a cat and two dogs. In her free time she enjoys traveling to new places, reading, and spending time outside.
Past Experience:
Prior to joining Registry Partners, Mandi worked for Franciscan Saint Francis Health Center in Indianapolis, IN, as Tumor Registry Quality Coordinator; she also served as Data Analyst for Community Health Network in Indianapolis and worked as a Technology Consultant for IUPUI University Information Technology Services in Indianapolis.
Education/Certifications:
Mandi is a graduate of Indiana University in Indianapolis where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Health Information Administration and became certified as an RHIA in August 2011, and as a Certified Tumor Registrar in September 2013.
Professional Associations:
She is a member of the American Health Information Management Association, National Cancer Registrars Association and the Indiana Cancer Registrars Association. She has been involved in various community projects including preparing for a local AIDS walk, raising money for the Children’s Miracle Network and Operation Hunger.
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Project CTR, Project Manager and Project Director
Q & A with Mandi:
Q: What advice would you give to other individuals considering a cancer registry career and pursuing their CTR?
A: I would recommend this field to anyone who is interested, but would forewarn them to be prepared for a lifetime of learning! Our field is always changing along with the developments in cancer research and treatments, which requires us to continually be learning. This is one aspect that I love about this field and it certainly keeps the work interesting and ever changing.
Q: How did you become interested in the CTR/Cancer Registry profession?
A: I first learned about this profession while in college completing my RHIA program. Like most, I had no idea this field even existed, but I was drawn in by the idea my work as a CTR would be important to cancer research.
Q: When you entered into the cancer registry profession and became a CTR did you learn “on your own” or did you have a mentor? What benefits do you believe a mentor can provide vs. learning on your own?
A: When I started in the cancer registry profession, my department was going through a very busy time and while I did have a mentor, a lot of my learning was on my own and with the assistance of other CTRs in my department. I think that people learn in different ways and some are able to learn more independently. However, having a mentor available to answer questions or refer you to the right resource is invaluable!
Margaret directs and oversees all aspects of her assigned projects ensuring compliance with registry standards and specifications. She ensures the goals and objectives of each project are met through oversight and quality control of her data abstraction teams. Additionally, she provides mentoring of on-site staff upon client request. Margaret resides in in Georgia with her husband and they have two children. She enjoys camping, reading Star Trek books, and sightseeing in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the North Georgia Mountains.
Past Experience:
Prior to joining Registry Partners, Margaret spent twenty-one years working at Wesley Medical Center in Hattiesburg, MS in the health information management department, serving as Health Information Management Director on two occasions. She also started the cancer registry and helped the facility achieve their first CoC accreditation. Additionally, Margaret spent two years working as Cancer Registrar for Hamilton Medical Center in Dalton, GA where she was involved with all facets of accreditation and cancer program operations and she also spent seven years working for the Georgia Comprehensive Cancer Registry as the North Region Coordinator where she led various central registry projects and responsibilities.
Education/Certifications:
Margaret is a Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR)
Professional Associations:
Margaret is a member of the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA) and Georgia Tumor Registrars Association (GATRA).
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Project CTR, Project & Quality Control Manager
Q & A with Margaret:
Q: What advice would you give to other individuals considering a cancer registry career and pursuing their CTR?
A: CTRs are important members of the health care team. Not everyone has the ability to do hands on care for patients. I know I was not blessed with that skill. Through the data cancer registrars collect, changes may occur in the standard of care and available treatment options for cancer patients. I try to always remember this when I am abstracting. I could be a patient receiving an improved treatment method or new or advanced treatment all because of information collected by a CTR!
Q: What do you enjoy most about working for Registry Partners?
A: I enjoy the flexibility of the hours. The employees of Registry Partners are great to work with, upbeat and professional. Everyone is willing to share their knowledge and skills without making you feel like you should have known that already.
Q: There have been many changes implemented throughout your cancer registry career. Do you have a specific change that stands out as the most memorable change? What advice can you share on how best to deal with change when it occurs in the registry profession?
A: The most notable change throughout my years as a CTR has been Collaborative Stage. The best way to deal with the many changes in the cancer registry field is just “go with the flow”. Education is the key to keeping current with the many changes. Thank goodness at Registry Partners we have educational opportunities whether it be attending an educational conference or viewing online courses.
Mary serves as a data abstraction subject matter expert, ensuring data accuracy through quality control oversight while keeping abreast of industry-specific data collection rules and specification changes and providing ongoing education to her assigned data abstraction teams. Mary resides in New York with her husband and they have four children. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, playing shuffleboard, antique shopping, watching football and attending music concerts.
Past Experience:
Prior to joining Registry Partners, Mary served as Certified Tumor Registrar for Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY for several years and also served as a study group leader, tutoring students in Human Anatomy and Physiology.
Education/Certifications:
Mary earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Health Information Management/Health Services Management from SUNY Institute of Technology in Utica, NY and has her Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) certification as well as her Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR) certification.
Professional Associations:
Mary is a member of the National Cancer Registrars Association, the New York Cancer Registrars Association, and the American Health Information Management Association.
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Project CTR, Quality Analyst
Q & A with Mary:
Q: How did you become interested in the cancer registry profession?
A: I was first introduced to cancer registry while completing a specialty rotation course required for my bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management. During this time, my mother had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and had already gone through surgery and multiple chemotherapy trials. I realized that cancer registry was the opportunity to not only gain a better understanding of cancer, but it would allow me to make an impact and contribution on the fight against cancer.
Q: Why do you believe clinical data registries are so important?
A: Clinical data registries collect crucial data that impact the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Data sets collected of demographics, cancer types, disease extent, treatment, and outcomes are all vital in helping researchers and physicians provide better detection, prevention, resources and treatments to patients.
Q: How have you changed your work habits working in a remote environment?
A: Working in a remote environment has allowed me flexibility in how and when I work. I have incorporated the use of an adjustable desk in my home office that enables me to stand for periods of my work day. I am finding this has a lot of physical benefits for me. With the ability to change my work schedule to accommodate personal and family needs, I no longer always work a regimented schedule with conventional work hours. I now feel that having more control over my work schedule has afforded me a better work-life balance.
Melissa coordinates and manages Quality Control activities on her assigned projects through ongoing support and guidance of her data abstraction teams. Melissa enjoys reading, painting with watercolors, knitting, walking her dogs and spending time with her family.
Past Experience:
Prior to joining Registry Partners, Melissa was a tumor registrar for SUNY Upstate Medical University in Oswego, NY where she was responsible for various registry operations functions. Melissa has also served as an Outpatient Coder for Oswego Hospital in Oswego, NY.
Education/Certifications:
Melissa holds an Associates Degree in Health Information Technology from Alfred State in Alfred, NY, is a Registered Health Information Technologist (RHIT) and Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR).
Professional Associations:
Melissa is a member of the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA) and the New York Cancer Registrars Association (NYCRA).
Previous Positions with Registry Partners:
Project CTR
Q & A with Melissa:
Q: How did you become interested in the Cancer Registry/CTR profession?
A: In my Associates, RHIT program, we touched on cancer registry as a career path for RHIT and HIT professionals. After reviewing the information I felt it would be an interesting field to be involved in. After working in the HIM field for several months I started this journey by taking the first NCRA online course in January 2016 and by January 2017 I had completed all 6 courses. I have been involved in the Cancer Registry field since December 2016 when I accepted a position as Cancer Registrar at a COC facility local to my home where I could gain experience in the field and be eligible to take the certification exam. I have been hooked ever since.
Q: What advice would you give others considering a cancer registry career and pursuing their CTR certification?
A: A lot of cancer registrars go on to many different paths. Reach out to a cancer registrar in a local facility and ask them their thoughts about the field. You don’t have to be a certified tumor registrar to learn (as I have experienced). Go to a regional meeting if you can, these can provide an enormous amount of information and provide great networking. I would also search the internet for articles from local cancer registry associations and NCRA.
Q: What do you find to be the most rewarding part of your career?
A: I have gained so much knowledge in this field since I started and I know that the work we all do as Cancer Registrars is very important in all aspects of cancer care. My career provides many opportunities to learn and develop skills which are needed in the Cancer Registry field now and in the future. I am so excited to be involved in this field!
Michelle directs and oversees all aspects of her assigned projects ensuring compliance with registry standards and specifications. She ensures the goals and objectives of each project are met through oversight and quality control of her data abstraction teams. Michelle resides in California with her husband and daughter. In her spare time she enjoys dancing, reading, swimming, walking and going on new adventures with her family.
Past Experience:
Prior to joining Registry Partners, Michelle served as the Oncology Program Manager for Regional Medical Center of San Jose, CA. She has also held positions as Cancer Registrar for Mills-Peninsula Health Services in San Mateo, CA; Remote Cancer Registrar for Stanford Hospital in Palo Alto, CA; Remote Oncology Data Consultant for Precyse Solutions and Oncology Data Coordinator for St. Mary’s Medical Center in San Francisco, CA.
Education/Certifications:
Michelle attended San Francisco State University and Skyline College where she studied Emergency Medical Technology. She is also a Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR).
Professional Associations:
Michelle is a member of the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA) and the California Cancer Registrars Association (CCRA).
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Project Manager
Q & A with Michelle:
Q: What tips can you provide that may help a CTR improve their abstraction skills and become a more efficient abstractor?
A: Organization, Patience and Practice. From determining patient eligibility to translating language from a medical record into the various standardized codes, the large amount of knowledge required may seem overwhelming. My best advice is to NOT try to memorize everything all at once. I am still a paper manual person so I used flags to bookmark the various important, or highly used references, when I abstracted so that I could quickly find the answers I needed the next time around. As time goes on the information just becomes a part of you and the need to go back to the reference materials becomes less and less.
Q: What advice would you give to other individuals considering a cancer registry career and pursuing their CTR?
A: Go for it! It is such a rewarding career. Cancer registrars may not physically touch a patient like a doctor or nurse may however, understanding the full scope of the disease and to be able to properly abstract and record this information for analysis and data outcomes … you ARE participating in the treatment of those diagnosed with cancer by guiding practitioners to use the best treatment protocols and screenings exams that will improve a patient’s survival.
Q: How do you describe your career to friends and family?
A: I often say that I review patients medical records and input all pertinent information regarding their cancer diagnosis into a database which, then allows for analysis to help understand the cancer diagnosis better and why certain types of cancers happen to certain age and ethnic groups. I explain that having this information means physicians can better treat people currently diagnosed with cancer or better yet, we can learn how to prevent a person from being diagnosed with cancer in the first place.
Monica serves as a data abstraction subject matter expert, ensuring data accuracy through quality control oversight, while keeping abreast of industry specific data collection rules and specification changes and providing ongoing education to her assigned data abstraction teams. Additionally, she provides mentoring of on-site staff upon client request. Monica presently resides in Michigan with her husband and three children. In her spare time, she enjoys walking her dog, bike rides, baking and making memories at their family cottage in Michigan.
Past Experience:
Prior to working with Registry Partners, Monica worked for Beaumont Health System in Royal Oak, MI as a Certified Tumor Registrar for seven years.
Education/Certifications:
She attended Davenport University where she obtained her Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology and received her Advanced Certificate in Cancer Information Management from Owens Community College. Additionally, Monica is certified as a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) and Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR).
Professional Associations:
She is a member of the National Cancer Registrars Association, Michigan Cancer Registrars Association, American Health Information Management Association, Michigan Health Information Management Association and Southeast Michigan Health Information Management Association.
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Project CTR, Quality Control Manager
Q & A with Monica:
Q: What tips can you provide that may help a CTR improve their abstraction skills and become a more efficient abstractor?
A: One way to improve abstraction skills is to get familiar with the manuals and organize any abstracting notes. I have notes separated by site so I have information I may commonly need in one spot when working on a specific site.
Q: How did you become interested in the CTR/Cancer Registry profession?
A: I became interested in the Cancer Registry profession while I was working towards my associates degree in HIT. I had a textbook with one chapter on cancer registry. I had never heard of it and it peaked my interest.
Q: What do you like most about your position as a Quality Control Manager?
A: I know that I am helping CTRs with their abstracting just as my Quality Control Managers have helped me. It is inspiring. I get to offer a listening ear and guidance with how to find and interpret rules from our standard setting organizations.
Nancy directs and oversees all aspects of her assigned projects ensuring compliance with registry standards and specifications. She ensures the goals and objectives of each project are met through oversight of her data abstraction teams. Nancy resides in Pennsylvania with her husband and they have two sons. In her spare time, she enjoys singing in the choir, reading, and working on crossword puzzles.
Past Experience:
Prior to working with Registry Partners, Nancy worked for Clarion Hospital in Clarion, PA as a Cancer Registrar where she was tasked with all aspects of cancer registry operations and accreditation related activities.
Education/Certifications:
Nancy has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology Pre-Med, and has taken additional coursework in Physical Therapy. She is also a Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR).
Professional Associations:
Nancy is a member of the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA) and the Pennsylvania Association of Cancer Registrars (PACR).
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Project CTR, Project Specialist, Project Manager
Q & A with Nancy:
Q: How do you describe your career to friends and family?
A: I usually tell people (at the most basic level) that required by state law, my job is about collecting data regarding the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The local level of data collection is where information on the prevalence of cancer starts (city, state and county of origin) along with collection of the diagnostic and treatment data which drives decision making in the hospital with regard to staffing, equipment and services being provided. I usually also mention that this data is the basis for understanding effectiveness of treatment for the various types of cancer in addition to patient outcomes. I also explain the voluntary cancer program accreditation process that hospitals can choose to participate which signifies they have met various standards of quality and cancer program expectations required by the American College of Surgeons, Commission on Cancer. I explain that cancer registrars are involved in overseeing the accreditation process, which involves Cancer Committee involvement, setting cancer program goals, executing quality studies and organizing screening and prevention activities within the community they serve.
Q: Did you have a mentor when you began your career in the cancer registry or did you learn on your own? What are the pros and cons for this type of learning?
A: I had a combination of both. The facility I worked for paid for a few hours of mentoring for me each week by a CTR in a neighboring town. A lot of the material has to be read over, studied and practiced … and no one can do that for you, however, I think that having a mentor was invaluable. I was tasked with completing the registry work and trying to learn what I needed to know, to sit for the CTR exam. My facility expected me to sit for the exam at the earliest allowable date. It was incredibly helpful to have a mentor available to ask questions, to review my work and explain where I needed to improve.
Q: What advice would you give to other individuals considering a cancer registry career and pursuing their CTR?
A: I definitely think someone who thinks they may be interested in this type of work should pursue it, however, pursuing it should also include obtaining the CTR credential because it is required if working in an accredited cancer program and opens up many opportunities, providing job security. With a CTR credential, you have the flexibility to pursue most hospital, government, or work from home options, which leads to maximum flexibility, higher pay, and more opportunities for growth. Everyone is going to be touched by cancer in some way at some point in their lives, so the knowledge gained is invaluable.
Nicole directs and oversees all aspects of her assigned projects ensuring compliance with registry standards and specifications. She ensures the goals and objectives of each project are met through oversight of her project management teams. Nicole resides in Florida with her husband and they have three sons. In her spare time, she enjoys going to the gym, spending time with her family and reading.
Past Experience:
Prior to joining Registry Partners, Nicole served as Cancer Registrar and Cancer Data Services Manager for West Florida Hospital. As Cancer Data Services Manager she was responsible for ensuring compliance with the ACoS accreditation process, organizing Cancer Conferences and Cancer Committee, training new registry team member’s, oversight of the cancer registry department and cancer registry operations, quality control reviews, assisting with studies and writing policies and procedures.
Education/Certifications:
Nicole earned her Associate of Arts degree from Pensacola State College and is a Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR).
Professional Associations:
Nicole is a member of the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA) and Florida Cancer Registrars Association (FCRA).
Previous Positions with Registry Partners:
Project CTR, Project Manager, Project Director
Q & A with Nicole:
Q: In your opinion, what makes your career interesting?
A: I feel that I have a very interesting career being able to contribute to the fight against cancer. While I do not directly interact with patients and families who are fighting against cancer, I make an impact behind the scenes by providing quality, accurate data. This data helps improve the quality of treatment patients receive, and it also contributes to new and improved treatment options for patients.
Q: What advice would you give to other individuals considering a cancer registry career and pursuing their CTR?
A: Many people have said to me before that they would like to do what I do and learn how to be a CTR. I always tell them that I love my career choice and that I do not feel like it is a job. It truly is a rewarding career because I know that what I do is important and fulfilling and ultimately contributes to the fight against cancer. I would advise anyone to look at being a CTR as a career not a job. I would recommend talking to other CTRs and joining a group on social media. There is a wealth of information on social media, and everyone is willing to discuss what it means to them to be a CTR.
Q: What advice can you give others who may be considering a remote position outside of the clinical setting?
A: For anyone considering a remote position outside of the clinical setting, I would advise joining a group on social media. You can discuss problems, ask questions and share triumphs with other members who are experiencing and have experienced what you are going through. I would advise setting a routine for yourself. When working remotely, you don’t have to go full makeup but feel good about yourself when you are working. Make time for your family and friends away from the work/home environment. Most importantly, remember that when you are working, you are working and doing something wonderful for you, your family, and for those who are fighting with cancer.
Nicole directs and oversees all aspects of her assigned projects ensuring compliance with registry standards and specifications. She ensures the goals and objectives of each project are met through oversight of her data abstraction teams. Nicole resides in Illinois with her husband and three children. In her spare time she enjoys camping, fishing, watching her children play sports and cheering for her favorite teams, the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears.
Past Experience:
Nicole has worked as a data abstractor/validator for all cardiac registries and core measures for UnityPoint Health Methodist in Peoria, IL. Additionally, she spent thirteen years working as an open heart circulator and scrub nurse, a circulator/preceptor in general/trauma surgery, and a traveling nurse educator/circulator in various operating rooms.
Education/Certifications:
Nicole earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from OSF St. Francis, College of Nursing.
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Clinical Data Abstractor
Q & A with Nicole:
Q: What do find the most rewarding part of your career in healthcare quality?
A: Outcomes! Prior to working in quality, I was an operating room nurse in Open Heart. We used best practice but after the patient left the operating room we didn’t follow them throughout their stay. It is very fulfilling to see the tools/suggestions that were given to me in the past are improving outcomes for patient’s so I am able to see it in real time. It is ever changing and it is exciting to see how we can make a difference in patient care.
Q: What advice can you give others who may be considering a remote career outside the clinical setting?
A: Go for it! By working remotely I have achieved a healthy work/life balance. I suggest finding a quiet place in your home with no distractions so you can complete your work efficiently and effectively. I only wish I would have done this sooner!
Q: What do you enjoy most about working for Registry Partners?
A: My peers! Everyone I have come into contact with is so positive and welcoming. Not only are they wonderful to work with, they are so smart! I have learned so much from each and everyone I have worked with. You feel appreciated and the teamwork is outstanding! Registry Partners goes out of their way to let you know you are doing a great job!
Nicole directs and oversees all aspects of her assigned projects ensuring compliance with registry standards and specifications. She ensures the goals and objectives of each project are met through oversight of her project management and data abstraction teams. She presently resides in Indiana with her husband and son. Nicole enjoys running, photography, traveling, cooking, being outdoors, and spending time with her family.
Past Experience:
Before joining Registry Partners, Nicole began her career in the Oncology field as Senior Cancer Registrar for the Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, TX and Baylor Regional Medical Center in Plano, TX.
Education/Certifications:
She studied for her Associates Degree in Applied Science at Ivy Tech Community College in Lafayette, IN. She also completed the American Health Information Management Association’s Approved Coding program followed by the American Health Information Management Association’s Cancer Registry Management Program. She earned her Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR) certification in 2010.
Professional Associations:
Nicole is a member of the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA) and Indiana Cancer Registrars Association (ICRA).
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Project CTR, Project Specialist, Project Manager, Project Director
Q & A with Nicole:
Q: How did you become aware of the CTR profession & what did you do to prepare for the CTR certification?
A: I became aware of the profession because my mom was actually an Oncology nurse at the time who was involved in Cancer Committee and close to the Cancer Registrar as well. After completing an Inpatient Coding Program and not quite finding my passion, I considered that the Cancer Registry Management program may be a better fit. In order to prepare for the CTR exam, I completed the NAACCR prep webinar series and compiled a study schedule that covered the exam content that was several months long. I would highly recommend studying early and often!
Q: Did you have a mentor when you began your career in the cancer registry or did you learn on your own?
A: I was fortunate enough to have several mentors of different capacity when I began. I started in a large hospital registry that had numerous CTR’s and registrars in training to reach out to for help. If you don’t have a mentor and are learning on your own, I would encourage you to participate in the NCRA mentoring program for someone to connect with.
Q: What do you enjoy most about working for Registry Partners?
A: If I had to choose just one, it would be the flexibility that I have with my work and personal life balance. As a first-time mom, this has been invaluable for my family and I to define what we want this balance to look like and still be active within the company and registry field.
Nikki ensures the goals and objectives of each project are met and provides sales support for her assigned service lines. Additionally, she serves as a member of the Business Development team and provides direct support to the Senior Vice President. Nikki resides in Texas with her husband and two children. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, watching her daughter’s softball games, watching movies on Netflix and training for 5K runs.
Past Experience:
Prior to joining Registry Partners, Nikki worked as a Core Measure Specialist and Emergency Room Nurse for Rio Grande Regional Hospital in Texas where she completed concurrent and retrospective reviews for various inpatient and outpatient core measure data sets. She has also served as a Trauma Analyst/Emergency Room Nurse for South Texas Health Systems where she was responsible for the Trauma Registry; additionally, Nikki has worked as a Medical/Surgical & Emergency Room Nurse for St. Francis Medical Center (a Level III Trauma Center) in Texas.
Prior to entering into the healthcare field, Nikki served in the United States Marine Corp as a Non-Commissioned Officer in charge of Training where she designed databases for tracking and maintaining training needs, coordinated staff meetings and training areas, organized and compiled quarterly training statistics and provided education and training to new staff. In 2002 she received a Navy and Marine Corp Achievement Medal.
Education/Certifications:
Nikki earned her Associates Degree in Nursing from the Community College of Baltimore County and is licensed as an RN in the state of Texas and earned her Certified Specialist in Trauma Registry (CSTR) national certification.
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Project Specialist, Project Manager, Senior Project Manager, Registry Services Director
Q & A with Nikki:
Q: What advice can you give others who may be considering a remote position outside of the clinical setting?
A: While there are so many benefits to holding a remote position, you do have to be very disciplined about keeping home and work life separate. You might find it best to set a ‘work schedule’ and stick to that so that you do not feel that you are working all day and night and that you are meeting your committed work hours. A quiet, private location free from distractions is a must.
Q: With so many career options in the healthcare industry, why did you choose a career focused on data collection and clinical outcomes?
A: I chose the path of data collection and clinical outcomes because I like to see the big picture. I feel that through reviewing the entire patients’ chart, from start to finish, and then seeing the patient outcome, it has increased my knowledge base and made me a better nurse. I also like the problem-solving aspect; being able to identify areas that can be improved and give suggestions on how to do so.
Q: Having worked in the clinical patient care setting for a number of years what made you decide to seek opportunities outside of direct patient care?
A: While at times I miss the direct patient care and going home knowing that I made a difference in someone’s life, I know that what I am doing behind the scenes has the potential to make a difference to a greater number of people and their overall healthcare.
Pamela (Pam) directs and oversees all aspects of her assigned projects ensuring compliance with registry standards and specifications. She ensures the goals and objectives of each project are met through oversight of her project management and data abstraction teams. Pam resides in Texas with her two pugs, Luna and Dobby. She enjoys baking, crafting and loves traveling, especially on Disney cruises.
Past Experience:
Prior to joining Registry Partners, Pamela served as the VPS Site Coordinator at Texas Children’s Hospital for two and a half years managing the VPS data collection process for PICU and CVICU, training new VPS data collectors and serving as a member of the Critical Care Quality Team. She also held positions such as: PICU RN and VPS Data Collector for five years at Texas Children’s. Additionally, she worked as a PICU nurse at Dell Children’s Hospital and a Software Integrator and Documentation Manager at NASA Johnson Space Center.
Education/Certifications:
Pamela completed her BSN degree through Texas Woman’s University in Houston, TX, is a licensed registered nurse (RN) in the state of TX and has PALS and BLS certification.
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Clinical Data Abstractor, Senior Project Manager
Q & A with Pam:
Q: Having many years of experience working in the pediatrics field, what transformations have you witnessed in the care being provided to pediatric patients that you can attribute to an increased focus on healthcare quality?
A: “Quality” in healthcare has become a mainstream concept in pediatric hospitals, I believe, in part due to the availability of information from data registries. Clinicians are not just focusing simply on what went “wrong” such as the number of catheter associated infections, but on what people are doing “right” to prevent infections. Recently there has been more attention on sepsis treatment and identifying early signs of sepsis to prevent poor outcomes. There is so much data to be harnessed! I’m thankful to play a small role in that area.
Q: What do you like most about your position as Senior Project Manager?
A: I enjoy the challenges of working with multiple teams of people on different projects, while having a core team of managers to collaborate with. I appreciate the open communication and constant support from my leaders. I have learned more about myself since becoming a Senior Project Manager, for example, I thought I was an organized person, but this position has brought me to a whole new level of organization!
Q: If you could select one memorable moment that has occurred throughout your healthcare career what would it be and why?
A: A colleague and I worked together tirelessly on a quality improvement project for almost one year and were selected to speak at a national conference to present our data. We received so much support from other colleagues and were inspired to work on other QI projects. It was a very humbling experience and I am very grateful for that opportunity.
Patricia (Tricia) directs and oversees all aspects of her assigned projects ensuring compliance with registry standards and specifications. She ensures the goals and objectives of each project are met through oversight and quality control of her data abstraction teams. Additionally, she provides mentoring of on-site staff upon client request. Tricia lives in Georgia with her husband and dog named Penny. She has two children and three grandchildren. Tricia enjoys gardening, cooking, going to the beach and spending time with family.
Past Experience:
Prior to working with Registry Partners, Tricia worked for the Medical Center of Central Georgia in Macon, GA as well as Coliseum Medical Center in Macon, GA as a Cancer Registrar.
Education/Certifications:
Tricia has an Associate’s Degree in Health Information Technology and is a Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR).
Professional Associations:
Tricia is a member of the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA) and Georgia Tumor Registrars Association (GATRA).
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Project CTR, Project Specialist, Quality Control Specialist, Project and Quality Control Manager
Q & A with Tricia:
Q: In your opinion, what makes your career interesting?
A: One thing that makes my career interesting is seeing the progress that’s been made in cancer research and cancer treatments over the years. And knowing we as cancer registrars played a part in that by providing the cancer data.
Q: How did you become aware of the CTR profession & what did you do to prepare for the CTR certification?
A: I became aware of the CTR profession while attending college to earn my associates degree in Health Information Technology. One of our clinical requirements was to spend a number of hours in the local hospitals cancer registry department. I found the work that was being performed in the registry very interesting. Once I graduated from Macon State College I was able to get a job in the Cancer Registry. Working in the registry everyday helped prepare me for the CTR certification. Not only did that help prepare me for the CTR certification but I also attended a CTR workshop hosted by the GA Tumor Registrars Association and read over the “SEER Program Self Instructional Manuals for Tumor Registrars”. Study, study, study.
Q: When mentoring a new CTR or someone seeking their CTR certification, what do you find most rewarding about your interaction with client mentees?
A: What I find most rewarding about my interaction when mentoring someone seeking their CTR certification is seeing their enthusiasm and drive towards making this their profession. It’s so rewarding when you get an email from them stating “I passed the CTR exam”. I’m proud to say I work for a company that offers this service to our clients and that I helped their employee achieve the goal of becoming a CTR.
Samantha directs and oversees all aspects of her assigned projects ensuring compliance with registry standards and specifications. She ensures the goals and objectives of each project are met through oversight of her data abstraction teams. Samantha resides in Florida. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, running and reading.
Past Experience:
Samantha has worked as a Registered Respiratory Therapist in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for various facilities including: Tampa General Hospital, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Advocate Children’s Hospital, and Banner University Medical Center.
Education/Certifications:
Samantha earned her Associate’s Degree in Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy from Independence University.
Professional Associations:
American Association of Respiratory Care
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Clinical Data Abstractor
Q & A with Samantha:
Q: How have you changed your work habits working in a remote environment?
A: Working in a remote environment can be challenging at times, but many of my work habits remained the same. I am a very organized and independent worker to begin with, which was a big help when starting with Registry Partners. It does take discipline, but I set specific hours each week for myself in advance, sticking to a pretty regular schedule. I only alter this schedule for special occasions, and it really keeps me on track. When working remotely, it is important to reach out with any questions and not be afraid to ask for help. We are a fantastic team at Registry Partners and we really value a teamwork culture here, even as a remote company.
Q: What advice can you give to others considering a remote position outside of the clinical setting?
A: Working for Registry Partners has been one of the best decisions I could have made for myself. The flexibility has been the perfect fit for my family and lifestyle. I think there is a place for everyone in healthcare, and whatever your reasoning may be for considering a remote position, you should not be scared to give it a try. I had many reasons for wanting to leave the hospital setting, but my biggest fear was that I would no longer make an impact in the lives of others if I left. This is simply not the case. I feel we make a major impact on the quality of healthcare everywhere, and it is amazing to truly feel a part of that on a daily basis.
Q: Why do you believe the healthcare quality field is so important?
A: I believe the healthcare quality field is extremely important for many reasons. There are so many new and innovative things happening in healthcare all of the time. Many of these changes and advancements come from quality analysis of data, documented by those administering the care directly. When a quality division analyzes this data, they are looking for trends, ideas, issues and more to improve healthcare for patients everywhere. Like anything, there is always room for improvement, and the healthcare quality field plays a vital role in ensuring improvement of patient care everywhere.
Sandy directs and oversees all aspects of her assigned projects ensuring compliance with registry standards and specifications. She ensures the goals and objectives of each project are met through oversight of her project management and data abstraction teams. Sandy presently resides in Michigan with her husband and they have one daughter. Sandy is active with her church and makes fish hats to raise funds for the local “Coats for Kids” organization. She enjoys reading mysteries, making quilts and helping others in her church family. She also enjoys cheering on her favorite baseball team, the Detroit Tigers.
Past Experience:
Prior to joining Registry Partners Sandy has held positions as Quality Manager, Managed Care Coordinator, Project Manager for a home healthcare company where she developed and managed specialty programs, Dental Services Program Coordinator and Contracts Coordinator.
Education/Certifications:
Sandy earned her Masters of Public Administration degree from the University of Michigan and also holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Alma College, also in Michigan. She has completed certification as a Six Sigma Black Belt.
Professional Associations:
Sandy is a member of the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ) and the Michigan Association for Healthcare Quality (MAHQ).
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Validation Specialist and Senior Project Manager
Q & A with Sandy:
Q: What do you find to be the most rewarding part of your career in healthcare quality?
A: Helping our clients understand their data and identify their opportunities for improvement.
Q: What advice would you give to other individuals pursuing a career in healthcare quality?
A: Find what aspect of healthcare you are passionate about, combine that with your strengths and focus on building your career where the two interact.
Q: What tips can you provide that may help a clinical data abstractor improve their abstraction skills and become a more efficient abstractor?
A: Never assume you remember all the criteria for each data element. Have your resources ready and available to refer to when needed.
Sandy directs and oversees all aspects of her assigned projects ensuring compliance with registry standards and specifications. She ensures the goals and objectives of each project are met through oversight of her data abstraction teams. Sandy resides in Arizona with her husband, two children, and two dogs. In her spare time, Sandy enjoys biking, hiking, playing pickleball and going to sporting events.
Past Experience:
Sandy has served as a Quality and Patient Safety Coordinator and has worked in cardiac services throughout her career. Sandy earned her Associates Degree in Nursing from Anderson University in Anderson, IN and is licensed as an RN in the state of AZ.
Education/Certifications:
Sandy earned her Associates Degree in Nursing from Anderson University in Anderson, IN and is a Registered Nurse (RN).
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Clinical Data Abstractor
Q & A with Sandy:
Q: Why do you believe the healthcare quality field is so important?
A: The healthcare quality field is important to ensure we all get appropriate care. No matter where you are or what type of health care services you need, quality makes sure you receive care that aligns with current best practices with good outcomes, preventing harm to patients in our care.
Q: Having worked in the clinical patient care setting for a number of years, what made you decide to seek opportunities outside of direct patient care?
A: I chose to leave bedside nursing to look at the big picture of quality outcomes. I wanted to have an impact on the process of caring for patients and ensuring that each patient received appropriate care every time they came into my hospital.
Q: What do you enjoy most about working for Registry Partners?
A: I like that the daily routine is anything but routine. I enjoy working with different clients and constantly learning and being challenged.
Sarah serves as a data abstraction subject matter expert, ensuring data accuracy through quality control oversight while keeping abreast of industry-specific data collection rules and specification changes and providing ongoing education to her assigned data abstraction teams. Sarah resides in Arizona and in her spare time she enjoys reading, knitting, crossword and jigsaw puzzles, running and enjoying mountain views from her home.
Past Experience:
Prior to joining Registry Partners, Sarah served as Tumor Registrar for St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport, Connecticut and also served as Program Coordinator for the University of Arizona, Department of Medicine and Credentialing Specialist for Yale-New Haven Hospital in New Haven, CT.
Education/Certifications:
Sarah earned her Bachelor’s degree from Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts and she earned her Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR) national certification.
Professional Associations:
Sarah is a member of the National Cancer Registrars Association.
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Project CTR, Quality Analyst
Q & A with Sarah:
Q: How did you become aware of the cancer registry profession and what did you do to prepare for your CTR certification?
A: I was working in the Medical Staff Office at a hospital which has a rich history in Tumor Registry and had seen and heard references to the Registry among my colleagues and in one of the hospital newsletters. At the time I had recently lost a close family member to cancer and another loved one was undergoing treatment for advanced stage disease. I started researching the cancer registry profession and realized quickly that it was exactly the career I had been looking for: detail-oriented, analytic work that would also provide a broader sense of meaning and purpose.
I met with the head of the Tumor Registry at the hospital for an invaluable mentoring session and started taking the prerequisites for the NCRA-AHIMA online Cancer Registry Management program. My job in physician credentialing grew more demanding and I had to take time off from my studies, but I was determined not to give up and several years later successfully completed the CRM coursework. I reached out to local hospitals to try to cobble together the internship hours and was lucky enough to find a community hospital willing to take me on as an intern and a new hire.
Q: What advice would you give others who are considering a cancer registry career and pursuing their CTR?
A: Be prepared to work hard and learn constantly, both in pursuing your CTR and once you are working in the field. Always be adaptable to and curious about the latest changes in cancer registry, and never forget that the data we collect reflect very human experiences.
Q: How do you describe your career to family and friends?
A: I tell them that CTRs help translate patients’ stories into data that can be used by researchers and clinicians working to prevent and treat cancer.
Shirley directs and oversees all aspects of her assigned projects ensuring compliance with registry standards and specifications. She ensures the goals and objectives of each project are met through oversight of her data abstraction teams. Shirley resides in Missouri with her husband and they have one son. In her spare time she enjoys entertaining, baking, gardening, playing piano, and spending time with her family.
Past Experience:
Prior to joining Registry Partners, Shirley worked for five years as an Outcomes Specialist/Clinical Reviewer for HCA Lee’s Summit Medical Center in Missouri and has held positions as Quality Assessment Analyst and Quality Improvement Specialist for Menorah Medical Center in Missouri and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City. She also served as an Executive Staff Assistant for Cleveland Chiropractic College and as an Administrative Assistant for the University of Kansas Medical Center.
Education/Certifications:
Shirley is a Registered Nurse, presently licensed in the state of Missouri, and earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Wichita State University, Kansas. She also has a Bachelor of Science in Medical Records Administration degree from the University of Kansas Medical Center.
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Clinical Data Abstractor, Validation Specialist, Validation Manager
Q & A with Shirley:
Q: You have been in the field of healthcare quality for a number of years. What prompted you to select this field and what do you like most about it?
A: I’ve always had an interest in healthcare, and chose the healthcare field because I wanted to help others. In the course of my career, I’ve been afforded so much more and have enjoyed a wide range of career opportunities, from clinical practice to clinical documentation systems and health information abstraction.
Q: If you can think of one piece of advice you received over the course of your career, that could help others in the healthcare quality profession, what would it be?
A: The healthcare field can be very demanding and cause a struggle in balancing work and personal life. During the course of my career, I’ve learned that you have to give yourself permission to take care of yourself first so that you can be more effective in your career, family and personal life. To approach the challenge of multiple priorities by focusing on just one thing … your own personal energy. To make choices that maximize your energy like eating right, exercising, getting enough sleep and avoiding unnecessary stress it makes it easier to manage all of the other priorities in your life. This promotes a better quality of work, helps to keep your career on track, and your personal life more balanced. Someone once said to me, “If you ruin your health, you will not be able to accomplish much else”.
Q: What do you like most about working as a Validation Manager?
A: I have a strong customer-service focus, so I really enjoy helping and guiding our staff toward quality abstraction of health data, learning core measure and registry guidelines, and gaining expertise with electronic medical record systems.
Stacy directs and oversees all aspects of her assigned projects ensuring compliance with registry standards and specifications. She ensures the goals and objectives of each project are met through oversight of her project directors, project managers and data abstraction teams. Stacy lives in Texas with her husband and two children. She enjoys volunteering with school PTA associations, loves going out to eat with family and enjoys watching her daughter play volleyball.
Past Experience:
Prior to her experience with Registry Partners she worked at Goldston Regional Hospital in Goldston, TX for six years as a Cancer Registry Specialist. As Cancer Registry Specialist Stacy was involved with casefinding, abstracting, follow-up, worked on cancer registry data reports and helped prepare for cancer committee and cancer conferences.
Education/Certifications:
Certified Tumor Registrar
Professional Associations:
Stacy is a member of the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA) and the Texas Tumor Registrars Association (TxTRA).
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Project CTR, Project Specialist, Project Manager and Project Director
Q & A with Stacy:
Q: What advice would you give to other individuals considering a cancer registry career and pursuing their CTR?
A: Just Do it. First of all, you are helping the fight against cancer by gathering data for research and treatment. Cancer Registrars are compensated well and have the ability to work in a facility or work from home. There are so many opportunities for Cancer Registrars today.
Q: How did you become interested in the CTR/Cancer Registry profession?
A: Honestly, back in 2000, I had no idea that a Cancer Registry even existed. My previous supervisor, mentor and friend, who had fallen into a Cancer Registry Director position had an opening, told me about the job and said I would love it. At first, I did not know what I had gotten myself into, but after a little while I did love it. And now, 17 years later, I still love it.
Q: When you entered into the cancer registry profession and became a CTR did you learn “on your own” or did you have a mentor? What benefits do you believe a mentor can provide vs. learning on your own?
A: Having a mentor for sure is a great benefit. I had so many questions in the beginning. My director made it a great learning experience and fun. She made flashcards and had reference materials for each site. We had crossword puzzles and made it a group learning experience. When you have someone in person or on the phone to go to for questions and answers it helps you talk it out and learn faster. Sometimes when you read things “on your own” you can read into the meaning differently than what it is really saying. Having a mentor was very important to me.
Stacy collaborates with division management teams supporting corporate-wide performance improvement, workflow standardization and workflow redesign for internal departments and external service lines. Stacy oversees all aspects of her assigned projects ensuring compliance with registry standards and specifications. She ensures the goals and objectives of each project are met through oversight of her project management and data abstraction teams. Additionally, she is a member of the Business Development team. Stacy resides in New York with her significant other, Brad and four children. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching movies, kayaking, hiking, sewing, crocheting, quilting and scrapbooking.
Past Experience:
Prior to joining Registry Partners, Stacy worked as a Quality Specialist for Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton, New York, where she was involved with establishing ongoing goals and objectives for quality improvement. As Quality Specialist she was involved with assisting departments with meeting regulatory agency requirements, assisting with physician peer review, integrating Joint Commission and CMS outcomes, conducting medical case reviews and initiating the NSQIP program including processes, reports and data abstraction.
Stacy’s past work experience also includes serving as a Graduate Registered Nurse Anesthetist for Riverside Associates of Anesthesia, PC, in Binghamton, New York; working as a Registered Nurse in the Perioperative Department at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton, New York, and serving as an ICU Registered Nurse for Wilson Memorial Hospital in Binghamton, New York.
Education/Certifications:
Stacy earned her Master’s of Science degree from Albany Medical College in Albany, New York; her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of Delaware in Newark, Delaware; and her Associates in Applied Science in Nursing from Broome Community College in Binghamton, New York. Stacy is licensed as a Registered Nurse in New York and holds certifications in Basic Life Support, VPS Data Abstraction and Surgical Clinical Reviewer NSQIP.
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Pediatric Abstractor, Validation Manager, Registry Services Director
Q & A with Stacy:
Q: After working several years in a clinical hospital setting, what would you say is the best part of working remotely?
A: The best part of being remote is flexibility of hours, working from the comfort of home and still being able to affect patient care.
Q: What do you like most about your position as Registry Services Director?
A: I appreciate the support and open communication amongst the leaders and team members that I get to work with every day. They are an amazing group of people!
Q: If you could select one memorable moment that has occurred throughout your healthcare career what would it be and why?
A: The most recent memorable moment was the decision to work full time for Registry Partners. The changes that have occurred in my work/life have been wonderful.
Stephanie serves as a data abstraction subject matter expert, ensuring data accuracy through quality control oversight while keeping abreast of industry-specific data collection rules and specification changes and providing ongoing education to her assigned data abstraction teams. Stephanie resides in Mississippi and has two children. She enjoys traveling, spending time at the beach, gardening, and is very involved with her church where she serves in the nursery.
Past Experience:
Stephanie’s work experience includes serving as a NSQIP Surgical Clinical Reviewer for North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, MS where she started the first NSQIP site in the state of Mississippi. Stephanie has also held positions such as: PACU Nurse, Pre/Post-Op Nurse, OR/Circulating Nurse and Nurse Manager, Short Stay Surgery.
Education/Certifications:
Stephanie earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from the University of North Alabama in Florence, AL. She is certified in Adult and Pediatric Life Support and a Surgical Clinical Reviewer (SCR) through the American College of Surgeons NSQIP program.
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Clinical Data Abstractor
Q & A with Stephanie:
Q: Why do you believe clinical data registries are so important?
A: I believe Clinical Data Registries are important because they provide valuable data which in turn can be used for Quality improvement projects, establish best practices, and allow for research projects which all lead to better patient outcomes.
Q: What do you find to be the most rewarding part of your career in healthcare quality?
A: I recently helped implement an Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Program (ERAS) at the hospital where I work full time and the results have been exemplary. We decreased the length of stay on Colorectal cases from over 7 days to 3 days in a period of one year. This gives me great satisfaction knowing the improvement in care that the patients received.
Q: What do you like most about working for Registry Partners?
A: Registry Partners was a lifesaver to me and has provided the means to supplement my income. I have been with the company since 2014 and I love it. My supervisor is exceptional! It’s wonderful to know that you are appreciated and she takes the time to always let me know when she is proud of my work or just to let me know she cares.
Sue serves as a clinical data abstraction subject matter expert, ensuring data accuracy through quality control oversight, while keeping abreast of industry specific data collection rules and specification changes and providing ongoing education to her assigned data abstraction teams. Sue lives in Oregon, with her husband. In her spare time she enjoys showing her dogs in agility trials and rally/obedience. She enjoys hiking, paddle boarding, weekend camping trips, and taking jeep excursions to remote areas in search for hidden lakes.
Past Experience:
Prior to joining Registry Partners, Sue worked as Manager of the Hospital Quality Program for Parkland Medical Center in Derry, New Hampshire. She has also served in capacities such as: Healthcare Quality & Patient Safety Specialist/Patient Advocate for Carney Hospital in Dorchester, MA; Administrative Clinical Advisor/Operating Room for BIDMC in Boston, MA; Registered Nurse Auditor/Program Manager for Nurse Audit, Inc. in Portsmouth, NH; Operating Room Manager & Surgical Services Staff Nurse for Anna Jaques Hospital in Newbury Port, MA; and Surgical Services Nurse for North Shore Medical Center in Salem, MA.
Education/Certifications:
Sue completed her BSN degree at Austin Peay State University where she graduated Summa Cum Laude and she is licensed as an RN in the State of Oregon.
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Clinical Data Abstractor, Validation Specialist, Senior Project Manager
Q & A with Sue:
Q: What do you like most about your position as Senior Project Manager?
A: I love being part of a collaborative effort to provide the best abstraction and consultation services to our clients. The clients challenge me to do better, learn more, and go that extra step. I enjoy the close relationships I have developed and appreciate the clients welcoming me as an important part of their Quality Teams.
I also love that I am surrounded by intelligence, common sense, and motivation. Because our abstractors and leadership have worked in the quality industry they have seen/heard so much in their “previous lives” that they bring to the table. They apply their experiences to every case that they abstract, and I learn so much from their thought processes. I also love that the RPI leadership supports the management team. I never feel alone doing this job!
Q: What advice can you give others who may be considering a remote position outside of the clinical setting?
A: The idea of making your own schedule is extremely alluring, and it has worked for me. My advice is to determine if you think you would like to be in a daily “solitary” position. While we do have regular contact with each other, working from home does not provide the face to face interaction that some people may be used to having or may need. That’s not to say that we are not a close knit group, just not in the way a facility based position works. Once you determine remote work is for you, organize your life so that you can separate work from home. Plan to “go to work” each day, and leave. I personally have to put my computer out of my sight, so I will not just log on for that “one last task”. Understand that this is a career, and think carefully about your ability to commit to giving the remote position the same effort and respect that an on-site office position would require.
Q: What tips can you provide that may help a clinical data abstractor improve their abstraction skills and become a more efficient abstractor?
A: Use the resources provided by Registry Partners which are all stored in one place. For those who do not work for Registry Partners, try to place all of your resources in one folder or location on your computer or work server. I save so much time having the resources at my fingertips. On that note, have the manual(s) that you will reference open and ready when you abstract.
Suzzane serves as a data abstraction subject matter expert, ensuring data accuracy through quality control oversight while keeping abreast of industry-specific data collection rules and specification changes and providing ongoing education to her assigned data collection teams. Additionally, she provides mentoring of on-site staff upon client request. Suzzane resides in Texas and has two sons. She enjoys spending time with family, attending church, traveling, reading, writing, crafting, watching football and movies.
Past Experience:
Prior to joining Registry Partners, Suzzane worked for BSA Health System in Amarillo, TX as a Registry Specialist II for four years and as a Senior Respiratory Therapist for five years.
Education/Certifications:
Suzzane is a graduate of Amarillo College where she received her Associate of Applied Science Degree in Respiratory Care in 2006. Her credentials consist of Certified Respiratory Therapist, Respiratory Care Practitioner, Registered Respiratory Therapist and Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR).
Professional Associations:
Suzzane is a member of the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA), Texas Tumor Registrars Association (TxTRA) where she has served on the Website and Finance Committees, American Association of Respiratory Care and Texas Society of Respiratory Care.
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Project CTR, Project Specialist, Project Manager, Quality Manager
Q & A with Suzzane:
Q: In your opinion, what makes your career interesting?
A: There are many interesting facets of being a Cancer Registrar and working in this field. My most favorite part is the vital role we play in the management of cancer data to improve information available for researchers, hospitals, caregivers, and public health initiatives. What we do has a direct effect on cancer treatments, cancer prevention and screening, and research.
Q: How do you describe your career to friends and family?
A: I usually start with, “You know those commercials on TV with all the cancer statistics, well …?” Most people generally think it’s “cool” that I work from home, but little do they know all the different hats we often wear. From collecting data through casefinding, abstraction, follow-up, and survivorship, to performing quality control, mentoring new potential CTR-candidates, managing hospital registries, providing data for analysis in community cancer programs, and serving as part of the cancer committees to determine the best care for a newly-diagnosed cancer patient. Yes…we do all that, and more!
Q: What do you enjoy most about working for Registry Partners?
A: By far, the wonderful people I work with every day. They truly represent the best in this field with all of the years of experience across the team. If there is anything I need, I know they’re just a phone call away. My fellow co-workers’ ability and willingness to help Registry Partners succeed in every area, is a rare but true blessing.
Tammy serves as a data abstraction subject matter expert, ensuring data accuracy through quality control oversight, while keeping abreast of industry specific data collection rules and specification changes and providing ongoing education to her assigned data abstraction teams. Tammy resides in Arkansas with her husband and two children. In her spare time, she enjoys singing, playing the piano and crocheting.
Past Experience:
Prior to joining Registry Partners, Tammy has worked in both clinical and administrative nursing roles, having served as RMC & CMS Coordinator where she oversees the Recovery Auditing process: managing requests, building reports, educating nursing staff and physicians on Utilization Review, auditing patient records to determine appeals appropriateness and writing appeal letters.
As CMS coordinator her responsibilities included: core measure data abstraction, defining educational processes for nursing staff, physicians and Utilization Review staff which ultimately impacted hospital wide process improvements. Additionally, her clinical nursing background includes experience working as a psychiatric nurse, surgical nurse and emergency room nurse.
Education/Certifications:
Tammy received her Associate’s Degree in Nursing from North Arkansas College in Harrison, Arkansas.
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Clinical Data Abstractor
Q & A with Tammy:
Q: What do you find to be the most rewarding part of your health care quality career?
A: Of course I have always found satisfaction in helping to develop processes that improve patient outcomes, but when you see a nurse smile and thank you for helping to make his/her job easier and more streamlined … that’s extremely satisfying, because you know, in the end, everybody is benefiting from it.
Q: What do you like most about your position as a Validation Manager?
A: Honestly, I’ve enjoyed every position that I’ve had with Registry Partners. It’s just a wonderful company to work for.
Q: What tips can you provide that may help a clinical data abstractor improve their abstraction skills and become a more efficient abstractor?
A: Study, study, study. Know the Data Dictionary like the back of your hand. But also, realize that you aren’t alone. Some things can be confusing. We’ve all been confused at one time or another, so utilize all your resources. Talk to other abstractors, read the Q&A’s on Qnet, but mostly just relax, take a deep breath and have confidence in your abilities.
Tammy directs and oversees all aspects of her assigned projects ensuring compliance with registry standards and specifications. She ensures the goals and objectives of each project are met through oversight and quality control of her data abstraction teams. Additionally, she provides mentoring of on-site staff upon client request. Tamara resides in Michigan with her husband. They have four children and three grandchildren. In her spare time, Tammy enjoys sewing, planning parties, traveling to NFL and MLB stadiums across the nation and cheering on the Detroit Lions and the Detroit Tigers.
Past Experience:
Tammy’s cancer registry experience includes serving as Oncology Program Coordinator for McLaren Lapeer Regional in Lapeer, Michigan where she has been involved with all aspects of the cancer program, serving as a project CTR for Registry Partners and Patient Care Coordinator for Loving Hands in Flint, Michigan.
Education/Certifications:
Tammy earned her Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Michigan, Flint campus, her Bachelor of Science degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of Michigan, Flint campus and her Associate of Applied Science in Healthcare Administration from Oakland Community College in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Additionally she completed the Cancer Registry Management Certificate program through the American Health Information Management Association and earned her national Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR) certification through the National Cancer Registrars Association.
Professional Associations:
Tammy is a member of the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA) and the Michigan Cancer Registrars Association (MiCRA).
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Project CTR
Q & A with Tammy:
Q: How did you become interested in the Cancer Registry profession?
A: I first learned about the Cancer Registry profession while I was completing my undergrad. I had a professor who would bring in different health care professionals in the area to talk about their positions, one of those professionals was a CTR from a local hospital. After she explained the role of a CTR and the importance of the data that was collected, I knew this was the career field I was meant to be in. I wanted to make a difference and change people’s lives, and that is what we do!
Q: Why do you believe clinical data registries are so important?
A: I believe clinical data registries are extremely important for the advancement of treatment, patient outcomes, quality of care, and patient safety. The information collected in clinical data registries is used to improve patient care; the information can be used to update evidence-based treatment guidelines, to compare the effectiveness of different treatments for the same disease or condition, or to evaluate surgical approaches/procedures.
Q: In your opinion, what makes your career interesting?
A: I love to learn and the cancer registry profession forwards me that opportunity because it is ever evolving, always changing, and never boring. Working alongside Physicians, Nurses, and other clinicians allow me to gain a better understanding of the treatment planning process and to continually improve as a CTR. When my daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 30, I had the knowledge to ask the tough questions, and the capacity to understand what the doctors were saying, and not saying. Walking this journey with my daughter taught me so much that I have been able to apply to my job; it solidified why I am in this profession and reiterated what a crucial role we play in the lives of our patients.
Taylor directs and oversees all aspects of her assigned projects ensuring compliance with registry standards and specifications. She ensures the goals and objectives of each project are met through oversight of her project management and data abstraction teams. Taylor resides in Indiana with her husband and two dogs. She is a die-hard sports fan and enjoys attending Indianapolis Colts, Indiana Pacers and Indiana Hoosiers games. She has a special love for marching band and has played the flute, piccolo and piano and has taught numerous high school marching bands. She also enjoys reading, traveling, attending concerts, gardening, going to the gym and spending time with her family.
Past Experience:
Prior to working with Registry Partners, Taylor worked as a Certified Tumor Registrar in an accredited cancer program environment and served as a Medical Records Inpatient Coder at Franciscan St. Francis Health in Indianapolis, IN. In her role as Certified Tumor Registrar she abstracted, served as the reporting and quality liaison for RQRS, participated in quality improvement studies and assisted with cancer conferences. As a coder, she achieved 100% on her quarterly coding audits and she personally conducted audits on 100% of Radiation Oncology charts. Taylor also served as the ICD-10-CM/PCS super user for her coding department and is fully trained in ICD-10.
Education/Certifications:
Taylor earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Indiana and her Bachelor of Science degree in Health Information Administration at Indiana University School of Informatics in Indianapolis, IN. She is certified as a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), a Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR), and is a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt.
Professional Associations:
Taylor is a member of the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA) and Indiana Cancer Registrars Association (ICRA).
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Project CTR, Quality Control Specialist, Quality Control Manager, Project Manager
Q & A with Taylor:
Q: What tips can you provide that may help a CTR improve their abstraction skills and become a more efficient abstractor?
A: Learn from your mistakes; always refer to your manuals and resources; efficiency is a constant process – continue to evaluate your own abstracting and useful tips from fellow CTR’s to always improve efficiency; personally, I find it important to understand the specific treatment guidelines and disease process of the cancer site I am abstracting.
Q: How did you become interested in the CTR/Cancer Registry profession?
A: While in college for my bachelor’s degree we were required to take a class on Cancer Registry. It was only a small piece of the curriculum, but it struck me as an up-and-coming field and a way to make a difference in a person’s life.
Q: When you entered into the cancer registry profession and became a CTR did you learn “on your own” or did you have a mentor? What benefits do you believe a mentor can provide vs. learning on your own?
A: It was a combination of learning on my own and having a mentor. I jumped right into abstracting on my first day. There was no set curriculum or continuous educational feedback. However, I did have a seasoned-manager to review some of my cases and ask questions to as needed. A mentor is a wonderful educational and support asset to anyone new in the field or striving for their CTR credential. I remember feeling “lost” when it came to using my manuals or which manual to even begin searching. A mentor provides the important fundamentals of abstracting. It is important, while in the early stages of abstracting, to learn the manuals and receive constant quality feedback on the abstracts you’re producing. Quality reviews, provided by a mentor, are an instrumental piece to the growth and education of a CTR.
Theresa directs and oversees all aspects of her assigned projects ensuring compliance with registry standards and specifications. She ensures the goals and objectives of each project are met through oversight and quality control of her data abstraction teams. Additionally, she provides mentoring of on-site staff upon client request. Theresa resides in Pennsylvania with her husband and they have three children and four grandchildren. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, traveling and spending time with her grandsons.
Past Experience:
Prior to joining Registry Partners, Theresa worked as a CTR for Susquehanna Health in Williamsport, PA and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, NY.
Education/Certifications:
Theresa earned her Associate of Applied Science degree with a focus in computer programming, from Pennsylvania College of Technology and her Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology from Rochester Community and Technical College. Theresa is certified as a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) and Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR).
Professional Associations:
She is a member of the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA), Pennsylvania Association of Cancer Registrars (PACR) and the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Project CTR, Quality Control Specialist, Project & Quality Control Manager
Q & A with Theresa:
Q: What do you find different with your current position compared to your initial cancer registry jobs?
A: We are encouraged to follow our own path and pursue aspects of the profession that are meaningful to each of us. My primary responsibilities are quality control and mentoring which I love.
Q: When mentoring a new CTR or someone seeking their CTR certification, what do you find most rewarding about your interaction with client mentees?
A: I find most rewarding their enthusiasm and desire to learn the profession. I truly believe that we, as CTRs, are making a difference and find it rewarding when others want to step up and make a difference too. It is really cool when I have been attempting to explain how to capture a certain field or why we would use certain codes and I figuratively hear the light bulb snap on when the mentee understands it.
Q: There have been many changes implemented throughout your cancer registry career. Do you have a specific change that stands out as the most memorable change? What advice can you share on how best to deal with change when it occurs in the registry profession?
A: For me the most memorable change was the implementation of collaborative stage in 2004. I was a newbie so everything was exciting to me and it really was not a change but rather something new to learn. The veterans did not seem as excited; in fact, they seemed more frightened than excited. As a veteran today, I understand the fright. My advice is to welcome the change with open arms and embrace it.
Thora directs and oversees all aspects of her assigned projects ensuring compliance with registry standards and specifications. She ensures the goals and objectives of each project are met through oversight of her project management and data abstraction teams. Thora resides in Massachusetts with her husband, son, stepson and dog. In her spare time, she enjoys nature, traveling, reading, volunteering and spending time with her family and friends.
Past Experience:
Thora served as Cancer Registry Manager at Lawrence General Hospital in Lawrence, MA leading the hospital through two CoC accreditation surveys. She has also served as Medical Staff Services Director at Anna Jaques Hospital in Newburyport, MA. Thora also started an organic spray tan business in 2016, inspired by skin cancer awareness and prevention events she held in collaboration with the American Cancer Society.
Education/Certifications:
Thora earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of Phoenix and her Cancer Registry Management certificate from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). She is also a Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR).
Professional Associations:
Thora is a member of the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA) and the Cancer Registrars Association of New England (CRANE).
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Project Manager, Accreditation Consultant
Q & A with Thora:
Q: Why do you believe the cancer registry field is so important?
A: The cancer data and statistics that cancer registrars collect is used on a local level to improve the quality of cancer care provided to patients by hospitals, physicians and clinicians. The data is also reported to the state and nationally, and is used for evaluating and monitoring cancer treatment. Additionally, the data is used for designing cancer prevention, research and control programs; all of which impact the future of cancer care and treatment for patients.
Q: What is the recommendation you most often share with cancer committee membership?
A: The goal of every cancer program is to provide quality, patient-centered care for its patients. The recommendation I most often share with cancer committee membership is that in order to successfully achieve the goals of the committee, it requires the active participation and involvement of every member. It’s absolutely a multidisciplinary – team effort!
Q: What advice would you give to other individuals considering a cancer registry career and pursuing their CTR?
A: There is a lot of opportunity and flexibility in the cancer registry field. CTRs may perform a variety of tasks, such as abstracting and coding, providing statistical data reports, facilitating cancer conferences or committee meetings, and/or monitoring accreditation standards. CTRs may work at a hospital, state registry, consulting or staffing company. Registry Partners really promotes the concept of “work-life balance” and offers the flexibly of working from home to its CTRs – which is awesome! A career in cancer registry is very rewarding. I would encourage individuals considering the profession to go for it!
Tiffany directs and oversees all aspects of her assigned projects ensuring compliance with registry standards and specifications. She ensures the goals and objectives of each project are met through oversight and quality control of her data abstraction teams. Additionally, she provides mentoring of on-site staff upon client request. Tiffany resides in Vermont with her significant other and two dogs. She enjoys hiking, kayaking, running, snowshoeing and spending time with her family.
Past Experience:
Prior to joining Registry Partners, Tiffany served as a Certified Cancer Registrar for the University of Vermont Medical Center where she performed various registry operations functions and participated in tumor conferences and cancer committee meetings.
Education/Certifications:
Tiffany has a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics from The State University of New York at Plattsburgh and she is also a Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR).
Professional Associations:
Tiffany is a member of the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA) and the Cancer Registrars Association of New England (CRANE).
Previous Positions with Registry Partners:
Project CTR, Quality Manager
Q & A with Tiffany:
Q: How did you become aware of the CTR profession & what did you do to prepare for the CTR certification exam?
A: I incidentally became aware of the CTR profession while browsing available positions at one of my local hospitals. Once I came across the position of Certified Tumor Registrar, I started researching what the profession entailed and immediately became intrigued. To prepare for the CTR exam, I worked in a CoC Accredited University Medical Center for a year and a half where I was fortunate to have hands on experience in all aspects of the Cancer Registry. In addition, I attended the Fundamentals of Abstracting Workshop in San Antonio, Texas as well as participated in the NCRA CTR Exam Prep Online Workshop.
Q: How do you describe your career to friends and family?
A: I find that describing my career to others can be quite difficult. However, I tend to explain that cancer registrars are responsible for documenting a complete summary of the patient’s history, diagnosis, treatment, and disease status to be used for research and management of cancer. My favorite quote to describe the CTR profession: “Cancer Registrars are the intelligence officers on the front lines, collecting critical information that is used to develop the battle plan and to deliver the necessary troops to the right location at the right time to combat the enemy – cancer” (NCRA).
Q: What advice would you give others considering a cancer registry career and pursuing their CTR certification?
A: My advice to anyone considering a Cancer Registry career would be to thoroughly research the profession as well as the different NCRA Eligibility Routes that can be taken to obtain the Certified Tumor Registrar Certification. I also strongly recommended participating in as many workshops as possible in preparation for the CTR Exam. Stay determined, ask questions, study as much as possible, and watch yourself succeed!
Tony oversees the daily operations of the Quality Business Development Team and supports the acquisition and maintenance of Quality Division clients. Tony resides in North Carolina with his wife and they have one daughter. In Tony’s spare time he enjoys golfing and spending time with his granddaughter. Tony often says, “life is full of chapters, being able to share the stories of my life experiences and of those who have helped me to be successful is all anyone could ask for”.
Past Experience:
Prior to his career at Registry Partners, Tony spent over 30 years in the Information Technology industry working in sales, marketing and management at several high-profile technology companies. He is among a select group of successful IT sales professionals to have experience in delivering solutions for IT mainframes and storage subsystems, open systems, network management, voice and data communications and storage area networks. Tony attributes his success over the years to taking a professional approach to delivering high quality and timely solutions to his customers. Much of this success is due to his commitment to growth and personal development, being a team player, his willingness to take a leadership role, attention to detail and continual focus on products and services within the industry. His clients view him as a consultant, resource manager and key player in helping them meet their short-term and long-term goals.
Education/Certifications:
Tony is a graduate of Wake Technical College in Raleigh, NC. He is a Vietnam veteran and recipient of both the Air Force and Vietnam Distinguished Service Award and the Air Force Commendation Medal. Throughout his career Tony has achieved corporate recognition and awards for his outstanding service, top sales performance and sales leadership at the regional, divisional and national levels.
Tracy directs and oversees all aspects of her assigned projects ensuring compliance with registry standards and specifications. She ensures the goals and objectives of each project are met through oversight of her project management and data abstraction teams. Tracy presently resides in Ohio with her husband and two sons. She enjoys running and biking and has taken part in a mini-triathlon.
Past Experience:
Tracy’s past work experience includes working as a Certified Tumor Registrar in an accredited cancer program for three years at Indiana University Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie, IN. Prior to working in the cancer registry profession, Tracy was a Veterinary Assistant for 10 years at Overmeyer Veterinary Center in Sylvania, OH.
Education/Certifications:
Tracy has an Associate’s degree in Health Technology from Owens Community College in Perrysburg, OH and is a Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR).
Professional Associations:
Tracy is a member of the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA) and the Indiana Cancer Registrars Association (ICRA)
Previous Positions at Registry Partners:
Project CTR, Project Manager, Project Director
Q & A with Tracy:
Q: In your opinion, what makes your career interesting?
A: I think one of the most interesting parts of my career is the different ways the data we collect is used to improve screening, treatment, and care of cancer patients. To some, what we do is just put information into a database, however, our data is used to identify areas with a higher rate of colon or lung cancer so that additional prevention and screening programs can be provided. These programs not only help with education and early detection but people in these geographic areas may not have access to cancer screening otherwise.
Q: How do you describe your career to friends and family?
A: My career can be difficult to describe to friends and family since most have never even heard of a Cancer Registrar, so I tell them when they hear the number of people diagnosed with lung cancer (or any other type of cancer) in their state or in the U.S. those numbers come from what I do. Our data also helps determine treatment for different stages of cancer. I may be more behind the scenes compared to physicians or nurses but I get to help make a difference to those diagnosed with cancer.
Q: What do you find different with your current position compared to working in a hospital setting?
A: I feel that one of the biggest differences is that I have a larger network of Cancer Registrars to discuss things with. If I’m looking to improve a certain process or have a question on a difficult case I have numerous co-workers that I can reach out to. That is not always the case in the hospital setting especially the smaller hospitals that have a limited number of registrars.
