Krystal Walker
Krystal Walker is a seasoned Integration and Conversion Manager with more than two decades of experience advancing health informatics and interoperability across leading healthcare organizations. Currently serving at Hamilton Health Care System, she brings deep expertise in clinical interfaces, device integration, ambulatory systems, and enterprise interoperability frameworks. Her technical proficiency spans major EHR platforms—including Epic, Meditech 5x/6x, Expanse, CPSI, and MEDHOST. She holds multiple Epic certifications, including Epic Bridges and Epic Data Courier Administrator. Krystal’s career reflects a commitment to building seamless, secure, and patient-centered data environments that empower clinicians and elevate care delivery. Throughout her career, Krystal has held pivotal roles across the HCA enterprise, including Consulting Product Development Analyst, QA analyst , and Senior Business Analyst with Parallon and Sarah Cannon Cancer Research. She led integration initiatives, supported large-scale clinical data migrations, and contributed to innovative solutions using various interface engines. She has consistently demonstrated strong analytical capabilities, agile methodology expertise, and a collaborative leadership style that strengthens cross-functional teams and drives organizational progress. Krystal’s educational foundation includes a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Mobile, providing her with a strong understanding of human behavior, communication, and change management—all essential elements in health IT transformation.
She has gained a reputation for "outside of the box approaches" to complex problems and specialized projects. Strong experience in HL7, Interoperabilty ,FHIR, and Third Party Integrations are the most noted tools in her toolbox, but there is more, such as Revenue Cycle integrations as well.
She is an extrovert who enjoys being around people and finding opportunities to lighten the mood when stressful situations hinder progress.
Her passion is to be a part of the innovation and improvement of technologies that are pivotal in the healthcare industry. Improving the quality, functionality and experience for the end users and patients is the measure of her success.
Looking to the future, Krystal feels excited about advances in technologies and is eager to learn and grow with this industry. She is greateful for all the various people who took the time to teach her the skills she uses today and for the opportunities she has been given along the way. "Like the turtle on the fence post, I didn’t get there by myself ". Krystal attributes her success to some very INFLUENTIAL WOMEN in her life. She hopes to be the inspiration to others the way these women were to her. "There were numerous people that contributed to my success and every chance I get, I tell them how they impacted my life and thank them for it." She encourages everyone to thank those who have helped you along the way, remember the time, patience, and value they contributed to your success and pass along those same values to the next generation.
• Data Courier Administrator
• Epic Bridges Certified
• University of Mobile - BS
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my deep involvement in IT healthcare and my commitment to understanding the true impact of my work. Even though I may not interact with patients directly, I recognize how essential my role is in supporting their care. Knowing that my contributions help improve outcomes and enhance the patient experience motivates me to excel every day.
My Psychology background is not typical in IT, and I think that has also contributed to my success. My approach begins and ends with the end users experience and expectations. Starting out with an experience vs technical specifications, helps to maximize the product potential.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
1. Do the right thing even when nobody else is watching.
2. Successful people didn't do what is easy, they did what others didn't and found value in the outcome.
3. Think like Babe Ruth, focus on swinging for the fences and never let a strike out get in the way of a home run. When looking at any challenge, don't let roadblocks or failures keep you from your ultimate success.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be your best advocate! Promote the skills and experience that will contribute to the success of the role you are applying for, and the success you achieved in the role you currently have.
Don't let the boardroom bullies undermine your ability to make your voice and talents heard and seen.
Failure is an opportunity for growth and success. Some of my greatest success was a result of failures.
Never make career decisions when you are disappointed in the role you have. Life choices made hastily are often not fully vetted.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—in my field right now is effective change management. As healthcare technology continues to evolve, organizations must adapt quickly while ensuring minimal disruption to patient care. I see this not only as a challenge but also as a chance to strengthen processes, improve communication, and drive meaningful improvements across the healthcare system.
Breaking down communication silos is another challenge we face. In a post pandemic world, actual face to face communication and connection is a lost art. While I like the work from home environment, there was more of a team environment that was forged in those moments between meetings. There is a chat now, instead of a conversation. There is a webex now instead of a huddle. I miss the lunch and learns, Christmas gift exchange parties, cultural diversity celebrations like Diwali, I even miss the random elevator discussions.
We as a society, have become more comfortable in our own bubble and less socially active , especially in a workplace setting.
The plus side to work from home, there are many and I appreciate all of them. Looking back on my career, I don't know if I could have achieved the making of the same solid strategic relationships and trust in the wfh environment today as I did pre pandemic. I am trying to find ways to achieve a true connection in this remote screen to screen era, it may be more challenging but not impossible.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important values to me, both in my professional and personal life are grounded in trust. Being consistently present and mindful in both work and professional life, is something I find to be of great value. I appreciate that quality when I am on the receiving end and I strive to provide the same in return.
My husband and my family encourage me to achieve my goals , they are the foundation and my inspiration to become a better person and professional. I have family here in the US and in Slovenia.(my husband's native country) I encourage my nieces in Slovenia to make to most out of the educational opportunities which are significantly less expensive than American colleges and Universities. The young women in my Slovenian family and in general are more independent and active in pursuing careers. Many times during my previous visits , I have been asked about my job, my education and opportunities. When my family in Slovenia introduces me as "the aunt from America that works in software ", to see them say that with such pride, is something that touches me so deeply.
I believe the time you spend with family is the best investment you can make.
Locations
Vitruvian (Formerly Hamilton Healthcare)
1200 Memorial Drive, Dalton, GA 30720