CIO Insights - Bridget Barnes

I had a discussion with the Oregon Health and Science University CIO and Senior Vice President, Bridget Barnes. Her impressive 26-year tenure at OHSU gives her a different perspective on the evolving intersection between technology with academic and health sciences. Bridget's dedication to continuous learning is evident in her pursuit of an MBA, a Master's in Engineering Management, and a Ph.D. in Information Security. Her role as CIO allows her to bring in fresh ideas and cultivate an environment for continuous learning and innovation.

“To be true, honest, and human.”

Jashan Dhami: How about you share a bit about yourself and your personal journey to how you became in your role right now?

Bridget Barnes: Sure. So, I am senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Oregon Health and Science University. I have been in that role for 16 years, and I have worked for OHSU for 26 years. I grew up within the organization, starting as a manager for the contracts office and then moving into IT. I have a background in research administration and a strong passion for technology and information security. Over the years, I pursued further education and obtained an MBA, a Master's in Engineering Management, and a Ph.D. in Information Security.

Jashan Dhami: That's amazing. What are some challenges that most people wouldn't expect that come with your role as a CIO in higher education?

Bridget Barnes: My job is not just about knowing the nuts and bolts of technology. It is really about managing people and serving as the interface between brilliant engineers and our business customers. I advocate for our engineers, as well as other technology professionals, and ensure they have what they need to be successful. Additionally, financial management is a crucial aspect of my role, as I have to manage complex budgets and diverse funding sources.

Jashan Dhami: Have you found any challenges working to innovate within your company while maintaining security?

Bridget Barnes: It is indeed a huge challenge, especially since we manage technology needs across multiple missions - healthcare, research, and education. Healthcare requires strong safeguards for privacy and security, while academia emphasizes sharing information. Finding the balance between innovation and security has been a challenge, but increased awareness of breaches and risks has helped foster a better understanding of the importance of information security controls.

Jashan Dhami: How do you foster a culture of innovation and learning within your department?

Bridget Barnes: We encourage continuous learning by dedicating 5% of employees' time to training. We also sponsor innovation activities like Innovation Day and promote a mindset of constant improvement. It's important not to focus on failure but to embrace it as an opportunity for growth and improvement.

Jashan Dhami: I'm just curious, with such a huge department under you, how do you ensure that everyone feels seen and involved, even though it's impossible to have a personal connection with everyone?

Bridget Barnes: A couple of ways. Transparency, honesty, and being relatable as a human instead of an executive on a pedestal. I have an open Q&A session where people can submit anonymous questions, which I answer during a meeting. I do every six weeks, starting with kudos to recognize individuals or teams for their achievements. Then I provide updates and answer any questions that come in, fostering a sense of community and giving everyone a voice.

Jashan Dhami: Have you seen a real difference since you started doing the Q&A session more frequently?

Bridget Barnes: Absolutely! It has made a huge difference. Doing it more frequently and in an open Q&A format has increased engagement and a sense of togetherness, especially during the pandemic when we were physically apart. It takes a lot of work, but the payback is tremendous, and it has significantly contributed to employee satisfaction.

Jashan Dhami: Is there something you wish you had known when you started your journey as a CIO?

Bridget Barnes: I wish I had more confidence earlier on. Confidence is different from arrogance. It took time for me to develop the confidence to trust myself and learn how to assess the skills of those I depend on every day. I spent years doubting myself, thinking I did not know enough, but over time, I learned to trust my team and create an environment where everyone could do their best work. It's something I continue to work on, and I'm now in a great place with a fantastic team.

Jashan Dhami: What skills or qualities have you grown into that contribute to your success as a CIO?

Bridget Barnes: Confidence is a significant quality that I have developed over time. It may sound strange, but the ability to also be unafraid to admit the things you don’t know is very important.? It has allowed me to overcome my initial nervousness and be more comfortable in interactions with the executive leadership team. Having the confidence to be myself and not worry about being liked by everyone has been liberating. Another skill I have honed is the ability to see executives and leaders as people, just like myself, which helps in building relationships and effective communication.

Jashan Dhami: How has AI been beneficial to you or your organization?

Bridget Barnes: While I was initially skeptical about AI, I now see its potential and benefits. One example is in healthcare, where AI can assist clinicians by generating first drafts of clinical notes based on keywords and treatment recommendations. It can also automate responses and workflows in patient portals, enhancing patient interactions. However, there are risks associated with AI, particularly in terms of trust and data management. Establishing governance and incorporating human review processes are essential to mitigate these risks.

Jashan Dhami: How do you determine which technological advancements are worth pursuing and which ones are just hype?

Bridget Barnes: For me, it's all about seeing tangible value propositions. I need to understand how a particular technology, such as AI or blockchain, can be practically applied and bring real benefits. When vendors present these technologies without concrete examples or value, it's difficult for me to see their potential. I believe in waiting to see actual results and use cases before fully embracing new technology.

Conclusion:

Bridget Barnes, a trailblazing technology leader, has definitively navigated her way through healthcare and academia as the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Oregon Health and Science University. Bridget has mastered the art of communication and collaboration within her large organization while maintaining an environment of innovation and creativity. Bridget’s commitment to creating an open setting is seen in her Q&A sessions which have proved to be a fantastic success to increase engagement and build a community. Bridget Barnes’s expertise and leadership ensure the seamless integration of technology in the healthcare and academic landscape.