The American Medical Informatics Association recently selected Hope Gray, MTS, BCC, as one of six new appointees to the JAMIA Student Editorial Board. Hope Gray is a doctoral student in the Department of Health Services Administration at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a recent Predoctoral Clinical/Translational Research Program Trainee with the CCTS.

JAMIA is a highly-regarded peer-reviewed journal for biomedical and health informatics produced by the American Medical Informatics Association. The JAMIA editorial team reviews articles covering the full spectrum of activities in the informatics field, including the areas of clinical care, clinical research, translational science, implementation science, imaging, education, consumer health, public health, and policy. JAMIA's articles describe innovative informatics research and systems that help to advance biomedical science and to promote health. "I am so honored to be selected to be on the SEB to gain feedback about my reviews and learn about the operation of a scientific medical journal firsthand” said Gray. “I believe this opportunity will be pivotal for my career development as an independent researcher in biomedical/clinical informatics.” In her new role, Gray will review 6 JAMIA manuscripts each year (two-year term), receive some individualized feedback on her reviews, attend editorial meetings, and become involved with JAMIA’s Journal Club.

Gray was recommended for the board by her mentor James Cimino, MD, FACMI, FACP, FAMIA, CCTS Associate Director and Director of the UAB Informatics Institute. “I am very proud to have her become the first UAB student to hold this important position. This opportunity will advance both her leadership and recognition in this field” said Cimino. Gray’s academic advisor, Sue Feldman, RN, MEd, PhD, FACMI, and Director of UAB’s Graduate Program in Health Informatics also recognizes the significance of the opportunity. “This is a significant accomplishment for Hope and her career development. Hope cares deeply about contributing to the health informatics profession and this is yet another example of her willingness to do so. I look forward to her growth from this amazing opportunity.” 

Gray started her career as a computer systems analyst and then became a board certified Chaplain. Gray has received a Master of Theological Studies from Samford University Beeson Divinity School, and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Stillman College. The combination of her education and experience led to her interest in health informatics. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Administration for Health Service/Health Informatics at UAB. During her time at UAB, Gray secured a research fellowship with the Center for Clinical & Translational Science for the 2021 – 2022 academic year. She was then selected for an internship with Health Level Seven (HL7®) International in 2022. Gray also serves as President of the Information Systems Doctoral Student Association (ISDSA) for The PhD Project. Gray’s goal is to continue her work as an independent researcher and to join faculty instruction in health and clinical informatics.