Awan Named Top 100 Healthcare Leader by International Forum on Advancements in Healthcare

Atrium Health Navicent's Chief Information & Digital Officer Recognized Nationally for Leadership

Atrium Health Navicent's Chief Information and Digital Officer Omer Awan has been named a Top 100 Healthcare Leader by the International Forum on Advancements in Healthcare (IFAH) for his contributions in the areas of industry impact, innovation and future-readiness, among others. Awan will receive his award at IFAH's annual conference, to be held in Las Vegas June 18-20.

IFAH is a healthcare events firm dedicated to bringing healthcare industry leaders together on a common platform to enable healthcare professionals from across the world, to come together, deliberate and work on improving the impact healthcare has on today's world.

"I believe that IT is the cornerstone for innovation in healthcare. A progressive IT catalyzes digital innovation which is a necessity and not an option in healthcare. I am honored for this recognition and grateful for the dedication and passion of my teammates and the difference we are making," said Awan.

As Atrium Health Navicent's Chief Information and Digital Officer, Awan is responsible for assessing the effectiveness of Atrium Health Navicent's information systems and contemplating disruptive technologies that may integrate with existing system's functionalities in order to lead the health system to the next generation of digital strategy and effectively address the work solutions required of an efficient and effective organization.

With over 20 years of IT leadership experience in the healthcare industry, Awan joined Atrium Health Navicent in 2016. During his brief tenure with Atrium Health Navicent, Awan has led the health system to national recognition as an American Hospital Association "Most Wired" health system. Awan received the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) 2018 Transformational Leadership Award and was a finalist in the Georgia CIO Leadership Association's 2018 Georgia CIO ORBIE Awards.

"Omer has changed the culture in his department to make his team valuable contributors who work collaboratively with others to find creative solutions that benefit patients and the healthcare system. At the same time, he has elevated the profile of IT within the ranks of Atrium Health Navicent's executive leadership, giving him a seat at the table as they carry out Atrium Health Navicent's vision. His colleagues trust his leadership, admire his insights and cherish his partnership. He is a tremendous asset to this organization, and we are honored that he has been recognized internationally for his leadership," said Dr. Ninfa M. Saunders, FACHE, president and CEO of Atrium Health Navicent.

Awan has undergraduate degrees in accounting and computer science, is a project management professional (PMP), and has a Master's degree in Business Administration. Additionally, he completed post graduate work at MIT and Harvard University to earn certificates in Strategy/Innovation and Healthcare IT. Awan is also a Certified Healthcare CIO through the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives.

Atrium Health Navicent, the leading provider of healthcare in central and south Georgia, is committed to its mission of elevating health and wellbeing through compassionate care. Providing more than 1,000 beds and offering care in 53 specialties at more than 50 facilities throughout the region, Atrium Health Navicent provides care for healthcare consumers' through an academic medical center; community, pediatric and rehabilitation hospitals; urgent care centers; physician practices; diagnostic centers; home health; hospice and palliative care; and a life plan community. Atrium Health Navicent is dedicated enhancing health and wellness for individuals throughout the region through nationally-recognized quality care, community health initiatives and collaborative partnerships. For more information, please visit www.navicenthealth.org.