James Feen stands as an influential figure in the realm of healthcare technology and management, particularly in the Greater Boston area. Currently serving as the Senior Vice President and Chief Digital & Information Officer at Southcoast Health, Feen’s career is a testament to the pivotal role of digital transformation in healthcare. His work involves working closely with providers and operational leaders to foster better care delivery through digital innovation.
James Feen brings more than 20 years of expertise in healthcare IT leadership, dedicated to enhancing care delivery and streamlining healthcare operations. Through his work, he has helped healthcare organizations adopt cutting-edge technology solutions, streamline operations, and improve patient outcomes.
In this article, we will explore James Feen’s background, his journey through the healthcare sector, his educational qualifications, certifications, and his significant contributions to the advancement of digital healthcare.
Early Career and Background
James Feen began his career in the healthcare sector in the late 1990s. His journey into healthcare IT leadership began at MEDITECH, a leading health information technology company known for its electronic health record (EHR) solutions. He worked at MEDITECH for nearly a decade, from 1998 to 2008, where he held various roles. His time there played a critical role in shaping his understanding of healthcare technology and its potential to transform the delivery of care.
Feen’s experience at MEDITECH exposed him to the intricacies of healthcare IT systems and solidified his understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the healthcare industry. The hands-on experience in managing and implementing health information systems laid the foundation for his later work in optimizing care delivery through technology.
After his tenure at MEDITECH, Feen took on roles at several healthcare organizations, with a focus on improving digital infrastructure and enhancing patient care services through technology. His expertise in implementing clinical systems and IT solutions positioned him as a leader capable of addressing both the operational and technical needs of healthcare providers.
Education and Credentials
Feen’s educational background underscores his commitment to the intersection of healthcare and technology. He holds a Master of Science (MS) in Health Informatics & Analytics from the Tufts University School of Medicine, which he completed in December 2022. This advanced degree provided Feen with a deep understanding of how data analytics, technology, and healthcare intersect to improve patient care outcomes. It also reflects his ongoing commitment to staying ahead of industry trends and innovations.
Prior to his master’s degree, Feen earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Management from Bryant University, which he completed between 1994 and 1998. This undergraduate degree helped lay the groundwork for his career in healthcare leadership, equipping him with a solid understanding of organizational management and operational efficiency.
In addition to his formal education, Feen holds multiple industry certifications, further solidifying his expertise. He is a certified Healthcare Chief Information Officer (CHCIO) through CHIME (College of Healthcare Information Management Executives) and holds the Certified Digital Health Executive (CDH-E) designation. Feen is also certified in Health Information Management Systems (CPHIMS), which further demonstrates his comprehensive understanding of health IT systems and their role in optimizing healthcare delivery.
Professional Journey and Achievements
James Feen’s career trajectory in healthcare technology is defined by his growth from entry-level positions to executive leadership roles, showcasing his ability to adapt to and drive change within the industry.
Southcoast Health
Since joining Southcoast Health, Feen has held multiple leadership positions, demonstrating his growing influence within the organization. He currently serves as the Senior Vice President and Chief Digital & Information Officer (SVP and CDIO), a role he has held since December 2021. In this capacity, Feen oversees the digital strategy for the entire organization, leading efforts to integrate advanced technologies into everyday healthcare operations. His goal is to improve operational efficiency, enhance patient experience, and support the clinical staff with the best possible tools.
As the Senior Vice President and Chief Digital & Information Officer at Southcoast Health, Feen plays a pivotal role in advancing care quality through strategic digital innovation. Southcoast Health is a prominent healthcare provider in the Greater Boston area, and Feen’s leadership has played an integral role in shaping its digital strategy, making it a leader in healthcare IT adoption.
Feen’s focus at Southcoast Health includes leveraging digital platforms to streamline clinical workflows, enhance patient engagement, and facilitate better decision-making through data-driven insights. Under his leadership, Southcoast Health has made significant strides in implementing technologies that not only improve operational efficiencies but also contribute to better health outcomes for patients.
Senior Vice President CIO
Feen’s role as the Senior Vice President and CIO began in May 2017, and he continued to serve in this capacity until December 2021. During this time, Feen’s leadership helped Southcoast Health embark on a digital transformation journey that enhanced the quality of care and increased operational efficiency. His work in overseeing the organization’s IT infrastructure and ensuring the alignment of technology solutions with healthcare goals was critical in establishing the digital backbone of Southcoast Health’s operations.
Executive Director/Associate CIO
From November 2015, Feen served as the Executive Director/Associate CIO at Southcoast Health, focusing on enterprise applications and Epic Project management. During this time, Feen led initiatives to implement and optimize Epic Systems, a leading provider of electronic health records. His expertise in managing these large-scale projects helped Southcoast Health adopt state-of-the-art systems that streamlined clinical workflows and improved patient care coordination.
Feen’s work at Southcoast Health also included overseeing the development of enterprise-level applications that supported a wide range of functions, from administrative tasks to patient-facing services. His ability to manage and align these projects with operational goals has been a key factor in his success.
Manager Roles and Early Career
Prior to his leadership roles at Southcoast Health, Feen gained valuable experience in managing clinical systems across various healthcare settings. His experience in clinical systems management provided him with a unique perspective on the needs of healthcare professionals and the role of technology in addressing those needs. He was responsible for managing various systems that supported patient care, clinical workflows, and operational tasks, which gave him the foundational skills needed for leadership in healthcare IT.
Earlier in his career, Feen also worked as a Project Manager, where he oversaw the implementation of new technologies and managed teams to ensure successful project outcomes. His ability to manage large-scale projects, mitigate risks, and lead teams effectively has been a key factor in his ascent to senior leadership roles.
Leadership and Impact
James Feen’s leadership extends beyond the technical and operational aspects of healthcare IT. His approach to leadership is grounded in collaboration and strategic thinking. He works closely with healthcare providers and operational leaders to ensure that technology initiatives align with the broader goals of the organization. This collaborative approach ensures that digital solutions meet the practical needs of healthcare professionals while improving patient care and operational outcomes.
Feen’s commitment to improving care delivery through digital innovation has earned him recognition within the healthcare sector. His ability to drive meaningful change and create lasting improvements in patient care systems has been a hallmark of his career.
One of Feen’s core beliefs is the importance of data-driven decision-making in healthcare. By implementing robust data analytics systems, Feen has helped Southcoast Health improve its ability to make informed decisions that enhance patient care. He believes that technology can drive better outcomes by providing healthcare professionals with the tools and insights they need to make timely, informed decisions.
Looking Forward
As technology continues to evolve, James Feen remains at the forefront of digital healthcare innovation. His ability to adapt to new technologies and lead healthcare organizations through digital transformations positions him as a leader in the ongoing evolution of the healthcare sector.
Feen’s work at Southcoast Health is a testament to the potential of digital innovation in transforming healthcare delivery. With the continued rise of telemedicine, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies, Feen’s leadership will likely play a crucial role in shaping the future of healthcare in the Greater Boston area and beyond.
Looking ahead, Feen’s commitment to advancing digital health and leveraging technology to elevate care quality will remain instrumental in enhancing patient outcomes and optimizing operations. His work exemplifies the ongoing importance of healthcare technology leadership in meeting the challenges of a rapidly evolving industry.
Conclusion
James Feen’s career in healthcare IT and digital innovation reflects a deep commitment to improving healthcare delivery and quality through the strategic use of technology. Through his leadership at Southcoast Health, Feen has become a central figure in reshaping healthcare services, with an enduring influence through his emphasis on collaboration, data-driven decisions, and efficiency.
With his extensive experience, educational background, and industry certifications, Feen is well-equipped to continue driving digital transformation in healthcare, enhancing both the patient experience and the operational efficiency of healthcare organizations. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, James Feen’s expertise will be crucial in ensuring that technology is harnessed to its fullest potential to improve patient care and health outcomes.
FAQs:
- What is James Feen’s current role in healthcare?
- James Feen is the Senior Vice President and Chief Digital & Information Officer at Southcoast Health, leading digital innovation.
- What educational background does James Feen have?
- James Feen holds a Master’s in Health Informatics & Analytics from Tufts University and a Bachelor’s in Management from Bryant University.
- How did James Feen contribute to Southcoast Health’s digital transformation?
- He has led initiatives to integrate advanced technologies like Epic Systems, improving clinical workflows and patient care.
- What certifications does James Feen hold?
- Feen is certified in CHCIO, CPHIMS, and CDH-E, reflecting his expertise in healthcare IT management and digital health.
- What was James Feen’s role before Southcoast Health?
- Prior to Southcoast Health, he worked at MEDITECH and other healthcare organizations, managing clinical systems and IT projects.