ACE 2012 Keynotes

Regina Holliday

“Here, I Take My Stand”

2009 was an amazing year in HIT (Health Information Technology). That year HITECH (Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health) was passed and the debate began about the meaning of Meaningful Use. Lives were changed forever, as the health data community began debating the scope of access. For many this was just another series of new acronyms to learn. For the Holliday family in Metropolitan Washington, DC, timely data access was a matter of life or death.

This speech will focus on the benefits of patient/caregiver access to the EHR (Electronic Health Record), the great potential for catching errors in the medical record when multiple eyes combine with the tools of technology to focus on the record and the improvement seen in emotional and clinical health when open communication in relation to the EHR is established.

Regina Holliday is a DC-based patient advocate and artist. Regina began painting a series of murals depicting the need for clarity and transparency in medical records. This advocacy mission was inspired by her husband Frederick Allen Holliday II and his struggle to get appropriate care during 11 weeks of continuous hospitalization at 5 facilities. After his death from kidney cancer on June 17, 2009, she began painting a mural entitled “73 cents." It depicts the Holliday family’s journey through the medical system. This painting became part of th4e national healthcare debate and was reported on in the mainstream press and peer reviewed journals such as the British Medical Journal (BMJ).

Regina also paints on canvas at medical conferences throughout the United States. She paints the concepts discussed within panels and during speeches presenting them as a visual representation of the patient’s view. She also began an advocacy movement called “The Walking Gallery.” The Gallery consists of a loose confederation of artists, medical providers, technicians and advocates who wear patient story paintings on the backs of their business suits. Regina is a 2011-2012 Fellow with Texas Medical Institute of Technology. She will appear in the upcoming Safety Leaders/Discovery Chanel documentary: “Out of the Danger Zone” and is part of the creative team working on The Patient Speakers Portal.

Regina will present the opening keynote on Thursday, August 9, 2012.

Karen Loucks Rinedollar

"Working for Peanuts and Loving It!"

On December 24, 1995, Karen Loucks Rinedollar received her greatest Christmas present ever. It was the inspiration to comfort children with cancer through the donation of handmade security blankets and Project Linus was born. Within months, the effort had attracted nationwide attention and expanded to helping any seriously ill or traumatized child. What started as a grassroots effort has grown to touching over 4 million children across the globe and their families.   

Karen is an award winning speaker. Her audiences walk away with a renewed commitment to achieve the seemingly unachievable, determined to move past unexpected obstacles and endless challenges, and embrace a new spirit toward their lives and work. To rapt audiences, she richly details her journey with humor and honest reflection, the good times and the hardships. Sometimes serious, sometimes funny, always inspirational, Karen's program personifies the spirit of commitment and perseverance that will compel you to conquer life's challenges -- one day at a time.

She has been featured on Oprah, NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams, People Magazine, Parade Magazine, Reader's Digest, Family Circle and thousands of newspapers, magazines, radio and television shows. Her book, Working for Peanuts: The Project Linus Story has received rave reviews and honors in the writing community. Karen was chosen as one of Ten Outstanding Young Americans amongst other awards and continues to strive for excellence in all of her endeavors.

Karen will present the keynote on Friday, August 10, 2012.