From Psychologist to EHR Developer

Abstract

Ever really, REALLY wanted to do something? I have. I really, really wanted to learn web design and development. Why? Just because. I was fascinated with it. It was fun. And since, many years earlier, I had adopted Joseph Campbell’s “follow your bliss” philosophy, I didn’t need any additional rationale or encouragement to jump on the web design/development bandwagon. I simply jumped.

Before “the jump”, I was a psychologist in private practice. Still am. I love that, too, but in a different way. Being a psychologist appeals to my soul. Web design/development is purely for the kid in me. Together they make me happy and give meaning to my life which is, in my opinion, about as good as it gets.

As it turned out, my web development “bliss” developed a focus. Eventually, it produced PSYBooks — a practice management system designed specifically for mental health professionals (www.psybooks.com). It took more than 5 years to launch PSYBooks mostly because the whole thing was play for me. Actually launching it was almost incidental.

The moral? If you love something, do it. If you’re primarily a right-brained, intuitive behavioral health type and something … anything … about IT calls to you, JUMP! Do it for pure fun. It just might lead you to something wonderful. And even if it doesn’t, you’ll enjoy the ride.

“Follow your bliss . . . and don't be afraid. If you follow your bliss, doors will open for you that wouldn’t have opened for anyone else.”

~Joseph Campbell

For purposes of this chapter, the acronym “EHR,” which is short for electronic health record, will be used synonymously with terms such as “EMR” (electronic medical record) and “practice management system.”