Mervat Abdelhak, PhD, RHIA, FAHIMA, was the big winner at Monday's American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Foundation Triumph Awards Ceremony, held at the organization's annual convention and exhibit in Grapevine, TX.

Dr. Abdelhak received the Distinguished Member Award in recognition of her 30-plus years in the HIM industry. Throughout her career she has been a mentor, writer, editor and served as AHIMA president in 2005. She currently serves as department chair and associate professor of HIM at the University of Pittsburgh.

In her acceptance speech, Dr. Abdelhak recounted her tale of coming to the United States from Egypt at the age of 18 to embark on her career. She added that the award served as a reminder of just how far she'd come.

"This morning's honor was a highlight of my career," Dr. Abdelhak told ADVANCE.

The 2009 Champion Award was presented to Mary McCain, MPA, RHIA. McCain has been a dedicated educator of future HIM professionals for more than 35 years. Her most recent accomplishment was the establishment of a program that allows students to interact with current professionals. McCain also worked as co-chair on the Model Curriculum Project currently utilized in nationwide HIM programs.

Marion Swaim, RHIA, took home the E-HIM award for her leadership in turning Sentara Hospital of Norfolk, VA, into a paperless environment, thus paving the way for unprecedented success rates in physician adoption, cost reduction and improved patient care delivery.

Two nominees received educator awards this year, the first of whom was Sue Biedermann, MSHP, RHIA. Recognized for her development of the first online HIM administrative programs in the state of Texas, Biedermann has since developed an HIM Research Institute to aid in the preparation of the workforces of tomorrow.

Joining Biedermann was Rachelle Stewart, PhD, RHIA, FAHIMA, whose career highlights include being published in several HIM professional journals and presenting at educational meeting and workshops. Dr. Stewart's current endeavor involves curriculum enhancement at Chicago State University.

This year's Legacy Award went to April Robertson, MPA, RHIA, CHPS, FAHIMA, a well-known author and advocate for the HIM profession. Robertson was instrumental in the development of the Ambulatory Information Management Association.

Mentor Awards were presented to Barbara Manor, MA, RHIA; Karen Lawler, MPS, RHIA; and Dwan Thomas-Flowers, MBA, RHIA, CCS. All three received recognition for their tireless approach to welcoming, assisting and providing guidance to those students and professionals new to the world of HIM.

The inaugural Pioneer Award went to Melissa Myrick, MSA, RHIA. Myrick was recognized for her strategy and vision in regionalizing BayCare Health System's HIM department, as well as her leadership in the transition to an EHR system.

Also new this year, the Community Outreach Award went to the Personal Health Record Community Education Coordinators, who were commended for their grassroots efforts to promote consumer health awareness.

Finally, Megan O'Neill, RHIA, received the Rising Star Award-reserved for those who have entered the profession in the last few years. O'Neill was recognized on the basis of her expertise in new technology and ability to help others understand the potential of such devices.

"I graduated in 2007, and since then I've been very active in my state [Minnesota]," said O'Neill. "I'm grateful that one of my old bosses chose to nominate me."