This webinar will provide guidance on applying for tenure, promotion, and membership in the Academy of Health Information Professionals (AHIP). The presenters will give an overview of these various processes, focusing on their similarities and differences, benefits and drawbacks, and timelines and requirements. Drawing on their unique professional experiences and institutional situations, the presenters will share widely applicable best practices to prepare attendees to create a roadmap for career success. This webinar is brought to you through a partnership with the Early Career Librarian Initiative (ECLI) a volunteer-based group within SCC/MLA.

Speaker Bios

Rachel R. Helbing, EdD, AHIP, is Head of Health Sciences Libraries at the University of Houston in Houston, Texas. She has worked in consumer health, hospital, and academic health sciences libraries. Her interests include interprofessional education, clinical informatics, and evidence-based practice.

Rachel earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Miami University, as well as a Master of Library and Information Science and a Master of Science in Health Informatics, both from Kent State University. In 2022, she earned an Executive Doctor of Education Degree (EdD) in Professional Leadership with an Emphasis in Health Science Education from the University of Houston. She was a member of the 2018-2019 cohort of the Medical Library Association's Rising Stars program and a member of the 2020-2021 cohort of the Cougar Chairs Leadership Academy. She served as Chair of the Medical Library Association’s Credentialing Committee, which oversees the Academy of Health Information Professionals program, from 2022-2023. Rachel enjoys visiting national parks and historical sites and has been to all 50 states.

Susan C. Steelman, MLIS, AHIP, is a tenured Professor with 26+ years of reference, outreach, research, and expert searching experience, is the Head of Education & Research Services at the Univ. of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Library in Little Rock, Arkansas.  At UAMS Susan serves on campus-wide committees including the Academic Senate Research Comm., the Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee (IACUC), the High-Risk Pregnancy Program, and various faculty research teams. 

Professionally Susan is active at the national and regional levels with the Medical Library Association and the South Central Chapter of MLA. In 2015 Susan received SCC’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award.  She has won numerous research awards and has authored and co-authored numerous posters, papers, and publications including systematic reviews. Susan Steelman holds a Master of Library & Information Science from Louisiana State University and is a member of the Academy of Health Information Professionals (AHIP) at the highest level obtainable – Distinguished.

This class is for educational and informational purposes in alignment with NNLM goals and does not offer medical advice.

By registering for this class, you are agreeing to the NNLM Code of Conduct