Last month, January 2020, I traveled to Albany, New York for work. Specifically, Troy, New York (about 20 minutes outside of Albany). As many of you know, I work for a very large academic Medical Center in Chicago, IL and we use an electronic medical record called Epic.
Epic was created by Judith Faulkner in Madison, WI and after I read some more about her, I realized what a BOSS she is. Women like Judith Faulkner truly motivates me to be a better person and reach my goals. Epic is used world-wide and is very user friendly, in my opinion.
The specific organization I work for has ninety-two hospitals in twenty-two states. As an “Epic Super User” I was chosen by my organization to assist with training the other hospitals “go live with Epic” that are not currently using Epic. I have been using Epic for five years now and thoroughly enjoy it. I wish all hospital systems world-wide would transition to Epic to increase communication of continuity of care and patient care satisfaction. Can you tell I am a huge Epic fan? Truly though, it is a crowd pleaser.
Anyway, so I flew into Albany, NY and was at an Epic training for a week in Troy, NY. Now, I know it sounds crazy to fly to NY in the middle of January, and it was, but luckily I missed the big snow storm that was coming the day I traveled home. I was unable to choose the hotel I stayed at since this was a work event, but I was very pleased with the hotel I was placed in. I stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott Albany Troy/Waterfront. This was a three star hotel, and appeared to be a newer hotel in the area. My room was very clean, modern and I had no complaints. The staff were very friendly and accommodating to our group of individuals that were staying at the hotel for the training. The Bistro & Bar in the main lobby was pricey with little portions, but the food was gourmet and very delicious. The hotel had a workout center and a great lobby to read/work in with TV’s, high top tables and booths. Overall, the hotel was my favorite part.
The organization I work for arranged for a large coach bus to transport our Team to and from the hospital daily. We appreciated this as Troy, NY was not a place you could walk around alone and feel safe. There were many people who warned us at the training to “stay in groups” and “do not walk around after sunset.” As a resident of Chicago, IL this did not surprise me or come as a shock. I live this every day, and to be honest, it is common sense for a new place of travel. Always be aware of your surroundings no matter where you are.
One day I did venture to the other side of Troy, NY to get my nails done and enjoy a late lunch at a restaurant. The only outing I took, otherwise, you could find me at the hotel either working out, making friends with other staff members from different hospitals within the same organization or reading. I met some fun people during my travels and I enjoyed the week to digress and relax to start my 2020 year. Next, the goal is for me to travel to a different hospital to assist with Epic training and I do not know when or where that will be. So stay tuned!
-Have you used Epic as a medical provider? Does your hospital use it where you might be a patient at? Have you or someone you know been to Albany or Troy, NY? Let me know! I love to hear from you all.
–As always, don’t forget to follow me on instagram–@thedailyallis and subscribe to my email list!
XO
