Karen Patena

Karen Patena ’74 BS MRA was honored with the 2019 AHS Loyalty Award in recognition of her significant contributions, service and dedication to the college in general and to the Department of Biomedical and Health Information Sciences in particular. As associate head of the department, as well as clinical associate professor and director of the health information management (HIM) degree programs, Patena has been a remarkable advocate for students and faculty alike.

“Karen is an effective teacher and mentor, who draws the respect from those that work with her in every aspect of our academic mission,” says Anthony Faiola, professor and head, Department of Biomedical and Health Information Sciences. “Without question, Karen exemplifies the meaning of the AHS Loyalty Award.”

Patena’s accomplishments include the development of the Illinois Board of Education’s online postbaccalaureate certificate program in Health Information Management and the introduction of a blended BSHIM degree at AHS, which allows students to take both online and in-person courses.

During her 26 years at UIC, Karen has received numerous accolades for teaching excellence, including the UIC Silver Circle Award and the AHS Educator of the Year Award. She is active in HIM professional organizations both regionally and nationally and serves on several campus committees.