Epic’s annual User Group Meeting (UGM) is coming up next week, August 26-29, 2019. Whether you’re one of the 9,000 healthcare luminaries with an all-access pass to the great content available at Epic UGM 2019 or you are spending time combing the interwebs for the latest news and happenings in Verona, we wanted to take a moment to appreciate Epic Founder and CEO Judy Faulkner’s innovation and creativity in costume choices for past keynote addresses. Anyone familiar with the Epic story knows Judy is known for her groundbreaking data goals as well as her all-in commitment to UGM conference themes.
Here are some of our favorite looks from past Epic user group meetings.
The theme for 2012 was Rock IT, covering how Epic was growing and innovating in the healthcare space. Announcements included the release of MyChart Bedside, the patient portal intended to keep patients and families informed about their hospital stay, and expanded functionality of Epic Hyperspace apps, Epic Hiaku and Canto. Elvis may be the King of Rock n’ Roll, but Judy takes the title for Rock n’ Roll Queen of Epic UGM.
While Avaap’s Dr. Craig Joseph may argue who committed to this 2018 theme the most, the park ranger look suited Judy well. Judy shared her vision of a single shared network of health data across a global network of healthcare systems. With healthcare providers looking to eliminate the silos in their systems, it only makes sense to eliminate them from the outside as well.
Judy fit the role flawlessly despite knowing there is no magic wand for healthcare. “We’re the wizards,” said Faulkner. “It’s just us people working together, trying to do the best we can every day to make things better.” A big focus for Epic in 2017, Judy noted, was the customers’ ability to interoperate with Care Everywhere.
Our runner-up choice for favorite UGM looks is Judy as the Mad Hatter. She knows how to create a unique experience for all to enjoy and is not afraid to show her quirky and unpredictable side.
Epic UGM 2016 had a strong focus on the future, Judy discussed how Epic continues to grow year after year and is constantly seeking to bring together all the elements of patient care and present all patient data in a single place, chronologically.
“I’m not funny; what I am is brave.” Judy quoted her costume muse Lucille Ball at the 2015 UGM executive address. This classic throwback came out on top as Avaap’s top favorite Faulkner UGM look.
A key theme at the 2015 conference highlighted the support of collaboration over competition to support the wellbeing of mankind.
With the 2019 Epic UGM theme branded Summer of ’79, we can only predict that Judy’s outfit of choice will be groovy!
Planning to be in Verona at Epic UGM? Get in touch to schedule an onsite meeting, request an invite to our happy hour event, or to discuss how to improve EHR usability and decrease physician burnout at your hospital or health system.