Few people know the history and stories of the Primary Care Coalition better than Tom Lewis, Chief Information Officer (CIO). His involvement with the organization spans nearly three decades, and his passion for the work is evident. He’s made a difference in how PCC strategizes, organizes, and implements programs throughout the community. He contributed vital information technology and networking expertise at critical points in PCC’s history, helping build the robust data management capabilities that serve community needs today.
“The collaboration at PCC is just wonderful, and the enthusiasm and energy make it a fun place to work and intellectually stimulating,” said Lewis. “There is also a sense of really helping others.”
Lewis, whose background includes training in both medicine and computer programming, was working at the National Institutes of Health when he started helping PCC projects a few nights a week. At that time, the organization did not have its own office space; it shared conference rooms and space with the county and its partners.
At PCC’s next offices, at the Montgomery County Medical Society in Rockville, Lewis remembers getting locked in the basement while setting up PCC’s first Windows computer network. When the Medical Society staff left at 5 p.m. and accidentally locked him inside, he took inventory of his options for breaking out. He realized he needed to contact someone from the Medical Society, or he would have to leave through an emergency exit and set off alarm bells. He eventually reached someone and could go without triggering the alarm system.
In the early years, Lewis started building databases using FileMaker Pro, and he helped guide PCC toward more quantitative thinking as the organization began gathering and managing more data. Lewis understands how vital technology and networking are to PCC employees and partners. Over the years, Lewis transitioned into a consulting role then became a staff member in 2014. Officially, he continues to set up systems to gather and manage data and make quality healthcare accessible to the community’s neediest residents. He also continues in an unofficial capacity as PCC historian, offering an invaluable quick reference on what has (and hasn’t) worked to make health happen in our community.
“The collaboration at PCC is just wonderful, and the enthusiasm and energy make it a fun place to work and intellectually stimulating,” said Lewis. “There is also a sense of really helping others.”
Lewis, whose background includes training in both medicine and computer programming, was working at the National Institutes of Health when he started helping PCC projects a few nights a week. At that time, the organization did not have its own office space; it shared conference rooms and space with the county and its partners.
At PCC’s next offices, at the Montgomery County Medical Society in Rockville, Lewis remembers getting locked in the basement while setting up PCC’s first Windows computer network. When the Medical Society staff left at 5 p.m. and accidentally locked him inside, he took inventory of his options for breaking out. He realized he needed to contact someone from the Medical Society, or he would have to leave through an emergency exit and set off alarm bells. He eventually reached someone and could go without triggering the alarm system.
In the early years, Lewis started building databases using FileMaker Pro, and he helped guide PCC toward more quantitative thinking as the organization began gathering and managing more data. Lewis understands how vital technology and networking are to PCC employees and partners. Over the years, Lewis transitioned into a consulting role then became a staff member in 2014. Officially, he continues to set up systems to gather and manage data and make quality healthcare accessible to the community’s neediest residents. He also continues in an unofficial capacity as PCC historian, offering an invaluable quick reference on what has (and hasn’t) worked to make health happen in our community.
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