HIMSS12 Links People and Potential

With a theme of "linking people, potential and progress," HIMSS 12 promises to do just that.

On Tuesday, at 8:30 a.m. Biz Stone, Twitter co-founder, gives a keynote sponsored by Siemens and EMC2 to show how Twitter is re-defining how healthcare providers and others share information.

Attendees will hear Thursday from Dr. Farzad Mostashari, national coordinator for Health Information Technology, about federal programs designed to reshape the way providers gather and share patient information. Dr. Mostashari will provide an update on where healthcare reform stands, give a preview on new mandates coming out of the federal government and report on the status of Meaningful Use and EHR implementation.

Donna Brazile, a veteran Democratic political strategist, and Dana Perino, White House press secretary under President George W. Bush, will team Friday morning to provide a glimpse from both sides of the political aisle. Terry Moran, co-anchor of ABC’s "Nightline is expected to give a frank discussion on the political landscape and issues of critical concern to the healthcare sector.

Friday afternoon, attendees will get a chance to fuel their reserves with Dan Buettner, an internationally renowned researcher who has travelled the world to study cultures where healthy lifestyles lead to longer lives. Through his Blue Zones organization, Buettner passes along lessons of other cultures to help other people enhance their longevity and happiness.