I chose to interview Mark Davis, the Director of Information Technology at Lake
Taylor Transitional Care Hospital, because he has been with the hospital for over 25
years. His extensive tenure reflects a deep commitment and a wealth of experience
in the field of information technology within the healthcare sector.
● How did this person get into the cyber/IT field and into the position they
now hold?
Mr. Davis embarked on his career journey by obtaining a degree from Old Dominion
University (ODU). He initially joined Lake Taylor, where he was employed in the
finance department. This was in 1989, a time when Information Technology (IT) had
not yet emerged as a recognized field. During this period, finance roles often
included responsibilities that we would now categorize under IT, illustrating the
evolving intersection between finance and technology. As the field of Information
Technology gained prominence, Mr. Davis transitioned into a role that better aligned
with his interests and skills, taking on the position of Systems Analyst Manager. At
that time, he was the sole member of the IT department, which meant he was
responsible for laying the groundwork for the department’s growth and development.
As awareness and demand for IT expertise increased, Mr. Davis began to expand
the team by hiring additional staff. Through his hard work and dedication, he climbed
the ranks, eventually becoming the Director of Information Technology, a position
that reflected his expertise and leadership in the field.
● What would be the most important knowledge, skills, and abilities needed
by someone in this field?
In the past, Mr. Davis was more involved in coding, particularly with languages such
as Pascal and PH-PACE. However, his current responsibilities have shifted, and he
is now primarily focused on shell scripting. This change reflects his ability to adapt to
different technologies and roles as his career has evolved. Therefore he explained
the most important knowledge, skills, and abilities needed by someone in this field
would be the capability to continuously learn and adapt is vital in today’s fast-paced
environment, as it enables individuals to stay relevant and effective in their roles.
Equally important are strong research skills, which allow for deeper understanding
and insight into complex problems. Logical reasoning aids in making sound
decisions, while effective communication ensures ideas are clearly conveyed and
understood by others. Additionally, proper documentation practices are critical for
maintaining accurate records and facilitating future reference.
● What are some of the ‘soft’ skills they have found to be most important in
this job/position?
In his position, Mr. Davis has found that patience is crucial as it allows him to
navigate complex situations with a calm demeanor, ensuring thoughtful
decision-making. Additionally, effective communication is vital, as it fosters clarity
and understanding among team members. Empathy is another key skill, enabling
him to connect with colleagues on a personal level, which aids in building strong,
trusting relationships. Problem-solving skills are also important, as they allow him to
address challenges creatively and efficiently. Furthermore, adaptability helps him
manage change and uncertainties, ensuring that he remains flexible and open to
new approaches and ideas.
● What technical skills have they found are the most important in this
job/position?
Mr. Davis emphasized that all programming skills are vital for his position. He
highlighted the importance of flowcharting and spreadsheet management, as well as
understanding operating systems. He mentioned that the techniques he utilizes at
work are the same ones he employs at home. For instance, he recently worked on
installing new camera systems around the hospital. Impressed by the efficiency and
quality of these cameras, he decided to purchase similar equipment for personal use
and installed a comparable system at his house. This illustrates how the skills and
tools he uses professionally are directly applicable to his personal projects,
demonstrating their versatility and importance in his role.
● What would be good entry-level jobs for gaining experience to become IT
Director of Information Technology?
According to Mr. Davis, there isn’t just one specific path, many different roles can
serve as valuable starting points. He began his own journey working at a computer
repair shop, where he gained hands-on experience and built a strong foundation in
computer systems. To even qualify for an entry-level position, some practical
experience is usually expected. Starting as an assistant or junior technician can be a
great way to get your foot in the door. Over time, you can grow into more advanced
roles. Mr. Davis emphasized the importance of working on personal projects as a
way to build knowledge and skills. For example, he has worked on setting up and
maintaining camera systems at his own home. These kinds of self-driven projects
show initiative and can help you “pay your dues” as you work your way up in the IT
field.