Dr. Fenton is a professor and the first McWilliams Vice Dean for Education. In addition, she directs the Center for Quality Health IT Improvement. Fenton's research focus areas include workforce development, ICD-11, and the optimal use of health information technology for chronic and preventive care in low-resource settings. In 2019, Dr. Fenton received the UT System Regent’s Outstanding Teaching Award. The next year, she was named as a member of The University of Texas Kenneth I. Shine, MD Academy of Health Science Education and awarded the title of UT System Distinguished Teaching Professor. Fenton later earned the UTHealth Houston President’s Scholar Award for Teaching for 2021. During her time at the school, Dr. Fenton has led the creation of the school’s newest degree, the Doctorate in Health Informatics, and directed the effort to make updates to the Master’s program so it could earn CAHIIM accreditation.
- Tell us about your research center and/or what research/work you are currently working on?
I currently manage the GET PHIT grant. I also serve on the NCVHS Workgroup to Develop Strategic and Timely Action for ICD-11 Implementation.
- What does the future of your research look like?
I hope to expand my efforts in all three of my areas. My main goal in workforce research is to help secure additional training grants.
- What does the future of informatics look like?
The future of informatics is extremely bright. We will continue to turn data into actionable information to support human health.
- What courses do you teach?
BMI 7302 - Selecting an appropriate theory, model, or framework for supporting dissertation research.
BMI 7303 - Writing a draft literature review related to dissertation research.
BMI 7304 - Developing a research design related to dissertation research.
BMI 7350 - Implementation science for a DHI project and writing a draft literature review.
- What major UTHealth Houston departments/institutes do you collaborate with?
Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research - UTHealth School of Public Health
Education
- PhD, Health Services Research, 2007, Texas A&M University
- MBA, Business Administration, 1990, The University of Houston
- BS, Health Information Management, 1987, The University of Texas Medical Branch
Areas of Expertise
- Workforce development
- ICD-11
- Optimal use of health information technology for chronic and preventive care in low-resource settings
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Main
Education
- PhD, Health Services Research, 2007, Texas A&M University
- MBA, Business Administration, 1990, The University of Houston
- BS, Health Information Management, 1987, The University of Texas Medical Branch
Areas of Expertise
- Workforce development
- ICD-11
- Optimal use of health information technology for chronic and preventive care in low-resource settings
-
Courses Taught
