Neal Wins Distinguished AHIMA Triumph-Educator Award
Teresa T. Neal is the recipient of the 2026 American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Triumph Award.
Neal, health information management program director and associate professor in the department of clinical health sciences at Saint Louis University’s Doisy College of Health Sciences, was honored with the Educator Award. The AHIMA Triumph Awards recognize exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to the health information profession by advancing the field, enhancing educational opportunities, and inspiring the next generation.
“Receiving the 2026 AHIMA Triumph Educator Award is an incredible honor because it recognizes the importance of educating the next generation of healthcare professionals,” Neal said. “As health information becomes increasingly important across all areas of healthcare, this recognition reinforces my commitment to helping health information and health sciences students understand how information, data, and technology support better patient care and stronger healthcare systems.”
Neal's work has focused on preparing students to understand and apply health information, data, and technology in healthcare. Through curriculum development, student mentorship, and engagement with the profession, she hopes to equip students with the skills and perspective needed to lead, innovate and improve healthcare regardless of the career path they choose.
“Teresa’s dedication to academic excellence and student success has made a meaningful impact on our Health Information Management and Health Science programs and the broader health community,” Brian Elliott, director of the health sciences program, said.
Neal said this recognition reflects highlights SLU's entire learning community.
“Our students, faculty, alumni, and industry partners bring their passion, expertise, and commitment to the classroom every day, creating an environment where future healthcare professionals can thrive,” she said.
Neal noted that she is grateful to be part of a community that is dedicated to advancing healthcare through education, collaboration, and the effective use of health information.
“I hope this recognition helps raise awareness of the important role health information education plays across the healthcare workforce," she said. "Regardless of their career path, future healthcare professionals must understand and use health information effectively. Strengthening these competencies will support better decision-making, improved patient care, and a more connected healthcare system."
Neal received her bachelor’s degree in health information management and her master’s degree in health administration from Saint Louis University. A locally and nationally recognized educator, Neal has received a number of other educator awards, including the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award, the MoHIMA Outstanding HIM Educator of the Year Award and the Doisy College of Health Sciences Excellence in Service Award.
The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) is a national organization dedicated to advancing health information practices and improving patient care. Through education and certification, AHIMA supports more than 67,000 members and credential holders in maintaining high professional standards. The association promotes the use of accurate, secure health data to strengthen health care quality and patient safety.