We are Niagara Health is a series of stories that celebrates the incredible people working and volunteering in our organization and how they make a difference in the lives of patients and coworkers every day.
Julia Becevel is an application analyst on the Hospital Information System project. She started at Niagara Health as a co-op student in 2023.
Some young, ambitious professionals are helping Niagara Health transform the way it manages patient information with the launch of a new Hospital Information System (HIS).
Julia Becevel is one of them. She is helping Niagara Health enhance patient care in this generational shift that will bring an end to a hybrid system of documentation and modernize the organization’s technology infrastructure.
Starting with her co-op in May 2023, Becevel worked on the Outpatient Design and Build Team for the HIS project, concentrating on ambulatory programs, which are medical services performed in an outpatient clinic. These include pain and sleep management, cardiac rehabilitation and more.
A crucial part of her work involved developing health equity questions, which are designed to leverage the new HIS and enhance patient care by capturing and respecting patients’ identities. For example, patients arriving at the Emergency Department are asked their preferred name and the pronouns they use, ensuring personalized and inclusive care.
“The goal of these questions is to improve patient care by acknowledging equity-deserving groups and honouring individual identities,” Becevel says.
As her five-month co-op contract neared its end, Becevel successfully applied to be a project assistant in September 2023, eventually advancing to an application analyst in February 2024.
Becevel’s journey is a testament to the value of internships at Niagara Health, where students gain practical experience and are prepared for diverse careers in healthcare and technology. This blend of education and experience enriches learning and fosters a workforce ready to meet modern challenges.
Currently, 18 student interns are working to implement the new HIS, bringing fresh perspectives and energy to this complex project.
Now that she has transitioned to a full-time role at Niagara Health, Becevel is passionate about sharing her insights and advice. She urges interns to actively embrace every opportunity for growth and development within the HIS department.
“A proactive approach to learning is essential,” she says. She emphasizes the impact of engaging in challenging projects, which enhance technical skills and foster resilience and problem-solving abilities in healthcare technology.
“Remaining open to feedback is key to continuous improvement,” Becevel adds, recounting how constructive comments propelled her development and contributed to her success within Niagara Health.
Most importantly, she advocates for immersing oneself in all aspects of the HIS department.
“Understanding the intricacies of healthcare operations, from system implementations to patient care workflows, is essential for making informed contributions and driving meaningful change,” she explains.
By embodying these principles, interns not only enhance their skills and knowledge but also align themselves with Niagara Health’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and compassionate care, she notes. They become members of a dynamic team dedicated to shaping the future of healthcare through technology and collaboration.
“I am very appreciative of my current role,” Becevel says “The support and guidance from key individuals in the HIS department were factors in my success, and I thank them for continuously challenging me and helping me make the most out of my co-op to get where I am today.”
