Mary Edwards, AHIP-D, Associate University Librarian, is a Liaison and Reference Librarian at the University of Florida Health Science Center Library (UF HSCL) and has been awarded the highest level of academy membership from the Medical Library Association, the Academy of Health Information Professionals (AHIP). The AHIP is the peer-reviewed, accomplishment/portfolio-based certification and career development program for health information professionals. The Distinguished Level requires at least 10 years of professional work experience and 120 points.
Academy membership indicates that peers have certified that members have met a standard of professional education, experience, and accomplishment and demonstrates commitment to career development. AHIP certification is equivalent to certifications in other professions, such as Human Resource (HR) certification, perioperative nursing certification, and medical-surgery nurse certification. AHIP is the only certification available to health information professionals.
Mary has worked for the UF HSCL since 2004. Mary holds a MLIS and a doctorate (EdD) in Educational Technology. Mary liaises to several clinical and research departments in the College of Medicine. She collaborates on instruction and research with faculty from her departments and is currently teaching in the course “Interdisciplinary Family Health”, the cornerstone of the university’s interprofessional education (IPE) program. Mary’s research interests include instructional design, online teaching and learning, distance education, program evaluation, and new literacies including media, digital, and information.