Story by Hannah McNamee, College of Health Sciences student journalist
The Idaho Health Information Management Association recently honored Jaime Sand, an associate professor for the Department of Community and Environmental Health, as its 2021 Distinguished Member.
The association provides its members with professional education and connects them to a network of colleagues working in health information management. Its board includes some of Sand’s former students.
“I was identified as a role model and I had never thought about myself that way. It’s an honor to hear that from people that I taught,” Sand said.
Her students are the main source of her inspiration, Sand added.
“Jaime brings her passion and skill to her faculty role and has been an invaluable member of our team. Her experience as a practitioner and continued involvement in the profession make her an insightful and connected educator,” said Lillian Smith, professor and department head for the Department of Community and Environmental Health.
Sand holds four degrees from Boise State: an associate of science in health information technology, a bachelor of science in health information management, a master of arts in education, and a doctorate in education.
Sand said she always knew she was interested in health care as a profession.
“I explored clinical careers, but realized that I didn’t want to do hands-on patient care. I didn’t want those hours and structure,” Sand said.
She eventually found her way into health information management, then education.
As an educator, Sand said she understands that some people are non-traditional students – they’re coming back to school after a different career, or have never worked. When she is teaching, she said, she focuses on guiding students to a meaningful career and life.