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We’re very proud to work alongside Joshua Wingfield, our resident database and workflow rockstar. Joshua is an exceptional gentleman and definitely a scholar. Here’s his Systeem story:

When did you start at Systeem?
I started working with Systeem in May of 2015, after several years of working as an on-site database/systems administrator for an ophthalmology practice in North Carolina. I found Systeem through a fantastically serendipitous circumstance that led to me working with some of the team and learning first-hand how much Systeem cares about its clients and their wellbeing. That attitude toward their clients and the exciting work that was being done was what eventually led to me joining this team, and I’ve loved every minute with them.

What kinds of projects do you like working on?
As a database/software guy, I really enjoy digging into complex structures and learning every nook and cranny. Working through other developers’ thought processes is a fascinating practice, and nothing is more satisfying to me than working out a total picture of a system from the back-end design. Beyond finding out what other people have done and why, I also love creating new systems from scratch with the perspectives I’ve gained from previous research to meet totally new workflow needs.

What is your technical “pet peeve”? 
To go along with the last answer, I’m particularly bothered by thoughtless system design. Nothing is more upsetting than seeing a potentially elegant solution ruined by slapping disparate parts together in an effort to “just get things done.” When something needs to be done, it should absolutely be done right!

What do you do for fun?
In my non-technical off-time, I’m generally reading, writing, playing music, or cooking. I’ve spent immeasurable time in my life with my nose in a book — everything from essays to volumes on database design, from Camus to Tolkien. All books are priceless for me. Similarly with cooking, I love making everything from old-world Italian and French to modernist American foods. I do, occasionally, also get outside and keep my German Shepherd busy running around or long-boarding in the hills of western North Carolina.

How do you gauge success for your clients?
For me, the most important part of any project is knowing that I’ve done something to make my client have a more successful and smooth workflow. In healthcare especially, the ability to get things done in an efficient and smooth manner is tantamount to the experience. Making sure that doctors know what’s going on with their patients, and technicians and nurses are able to accurately and quickly manage patient information is the core of the patient experience. With a successful project — be it making a database more performant or creating a template set from scratch — I know that I’ve made the doctors and technicians better able to care for their patients which is why we’re all here in the first place.