In 1978, I started in healthcare as an LPN doing direct patient care in a hospital setting. In 1984, I transferred to the Medical Record Department to become a "coder" as DRGs were first being implemented. (Had a very vague idea what coding/DRGs were about, but hey the position was M-F, no weekends and only 1-2 holidays a year. Sounded great to me!) Once I found out what "coding" was and I decided I liked it, and decided to stay with it. I made the decision to go back to school, so I took a leave of absence and attended Ferris State University; completing the RHIT program. After quite a few years coding, I changed gears and took a position in the Quality Management Department - interesting – and was there for approximately 11yrs. An opening came along in the Cancer Registry (again felt like time for a new challenge) and have been in the Registry almost five years now. I sat for the CTR exam about 3yrs ago. I am married and have two boys and one girl. I enjoy camping, watching the kids sporting events, reading, and time for myself.