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.