A Day in the Life of a Healthcare Software Engineer

This is a day in my life as a healthcare software engineer at Epic Systems. I'm Dennis Ling and I'll take you through everything that happens in my day from start to finish. I'll talk about what I work on as a software developer and how I budget my work and leisure time. There's also an awesome kimchi fried rice recipe if you watch until the end. :)
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Epic is a healthcare software company that quietly provides electronic health records for over 60% of all patients in the United States. Epic writes and implements the software that makes up the backbone of hospitals. Many international hospitals use Epic, including Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Finland, the U.K., and many more. In the U.S., teaching hospitals like Duke, Stanford, and Johns Hopkins as well as many major hospitals like Kaiser Permanente are utilizing Epic’s software. Epic is a private company with a vast reach and huge influence in the healthcare industry.
Thanks for watching!

[@joshpetit8298]

I remember when you said in a previous video that you originally wanted to work in health because of your senior year experience. Seeing you give back to them through software engineering is awesome!

[@dennisling]

Thanks Josh! This job is definitely super meaningful to me.

[@Grey4lif3]

@@dennisling hey I just had recruiter on LinkedIn message me about a developer position with EPIC. Do u have an email I can send u the Messages so u can verify if it's legit and I'm not being scammed?

[@andrewalson2612]

@@Grey4lif3 Hey Alex, did you end up working at Epic?

[@Grey4lif3]

@andrewalson2612 no I didn't. I'm a Data Analyst for an Insurance company

[@awowoosas]

I just started at Epic as an SD this month! Found your channel from the Epic Campus tour video. Awesome videos. SUBBED

[@dennisling]

Thanks man hope all's going well :)

[@chiranjitdey1430]

your workplace is heavenly. Thanks for sharing

[@Victoria-cl5of]

Thanks for sharing! Glad I found your channel. Just applied for a position and excited on what the future may hold!

[@Victoria-cl5of]

I would love to pm you on advice about the area/living/hobbies etc! I'm out of state and would love to know everything.

[@dennisling]

Hey Victoria - hope your application is going well. Feel free to reach out to the email on my channel's About tab.

[@bozekblack]

I’m an Epic analyst....so just want to chime in and thank you for what you do! 😊

[@vava1570]

Hello, how did you become an Epic analyst?

[@dennisling]

Thank you! :)

[@KOTYAR1]

I liked how you had wheelchairs ready for the go at the parking lot. It shows a lot about the company

[@2gonurse]

Got an EPIC tour and a cooking lesson all in one, lol loved it!

[@dennisling]

Haha thank you!

[@Lorsby]

@@dennisling My son is working in the Shed now, and likes to cook. Maybe you will run into him. I gave him your (Dennis) name to look for, just in case. :) I tried to tell him he should get a Costco membership!

[@annseebalack5156]

You're such a sweet young man! Happy to see you doing so well, God's blessings now and in your future. Stay focus 🙏🏻🙇🏻‍♀️

[@dennisling]

Thank you!

[@geetaadhikari1]

Thank you for sharing your experience. My husband graduated from OSU as a biosystem engineer and couldn’t find job, so he is did software developer through bootcamp. He just applied to epic since he was very interested to work in healthcare field. I hope he will get job at EPIC.

[@dennisling]

I hope your husband receives/received an offer!

[@KEKW-lc4xi]

Ok I'm curious did he get hired?

[@susane4078]

Your health career choice is making a difference in many patient lives. How cool is that!!

[@christuohy9074]

Thanks for sharing!

[@dennisling]

Thanks for watching!

[@marijo1013]

So cool! I am an NP and the practice I work for used Epic EMR for years however they recently switched to ONC EMR. This is an oncology practice

[@artistpw]

I also work in healthcare as a programmer. You shouldn't cook the kimchi too much. Try natto if you've never had it, and kombucha. Both of those are so good.

[@inno4953]

thanks for sharing, am health software developer too..

[@dennisling]

Cool, nice to meet a fellow healthcare SD!

[@marlontorres1438]

Hi Dennis, Thanks for sharing this. It looks very interesting. Can you kindly advise me what should I do to become a Medical SD. Would like to hear from you soon 😊

[@dennisling]

Hello - I'd recommend you check out Epic's career website: epic.avature.net/Careers/FolderDetail/Software-Developer/740 Other than that, having solid technical experience in general and being able to communicate effectively are two things I'd say are pretty important

[@meetpatel-lq7xb]

How hard is it to get into healthcare space as an entry level software developer? What are the ways I can bolster my resume to increase the likelihood? Thanks!

[@dennisling]

It's not particularly hard - it's about the same as any other entry level software developer job. I'd recommend getting a solid tech internship, personal projects, and interview skills.

[@nicholasalvarez1284]

Thank you for sharing! Just started my career as an ITS Application Specialist and looking forward to visiting the EPIC campus!

[@dennisling]

No problem! Hope you can visit sometime soon!

[@davooodansari]

what module of Epic you are working on? I've been at Epic few time and I missed it. Epic is amazing.

[@dennisling]

I used to work on the home health application called Dorothy.

[@eyemissmyunclecharles7185]

Whoa. I had cancer too, and worked with testing for EPIC in a hospital! And now I'm thinking of getting into software engineering in the medical field

[@dennisling]

That's awesome to hear! Hope all's going well :)

[@ijcollins15]

Question: If you have your work computer on hand and it seems hours are at your own discretion what would stop someone from doing some work at home? Is that not allowed?

[@md.asifimtiyajchowdhury8782]

Hi Dennis, I have a question (just want to learn more) that is, what kind of software engineering work you do? I am a undergrad CS (major: software engineering) student (final year) and I wish to do my final year project in health care? What are the field's to work in healthcare as a software engineer? Please let me know. Thank you. 😄

[@TheDragonDad]

The binary made me chuckle. Thank you for your tour. Do you have any advice for someone who wants to get into this?

[@ChristinaAngel60]

I have a question about the new EMR for Cleveland clinic,to help a care coordinator and additional training to navigate through the system more efficiently. Please if you can provide me any support videos of the location of where they can be retrieved, greatly appreciate it.

[@Hennessy198]

Hey I'll be starting as a TS at Epic this summer! Was just wondering how often do you meet with coworkers and your TL? Ik you probably don't want to film other people and there is a pandemic going on, but life seems pretty isolated in the office.

[@dennisling]

Welcome to Epic! I meet remotely with my TL every week. I also tend to have a couple meetings per day for things like design and workgroup meetings. I don't really have face-to-face meetings in the office because everything can be done virtually. We do have ways for new hires to connect/meet-up that I'm sure you'll hear about as you're onboarded in the summer.

[@andrewalson2612]

Hey, are you still working at Epic?

[@Hennessy198]

@@andrewalson2612 sorry for the late reply, but I left a while back. Wasn't what I thought it would be.

[@nateums]

I’m a nurse that uses epic, I wanna go into software development... where is the best place to get started?

[@Victoria-cl5of]

Do you have any prior experience? Maybe check out some small courses on Udemy!

[@dennisling]

I'd recommend getting familiar with software development in general. If you can, maybe take some courses, start some independent projects, and just really get your hands dirty with programming.

[@nateums]

@@dennisling thank you!

[@janpaoloang4089]

Does EPIC work remotely? I am a scribe currently working remotely from the Philippines, I am using Athena as of the moment but will be transitioning to EPIC EHR. Will I be able to access epic remotely as well? Thank you.

[@dennisling]

Yes, as you probably found out there are many ways to access the Epic app and various server instances.

[@Jane-kh7rd]

Lunch and dinner looked delicious! No breakfast?

[@dennisling]

I sometimes skip breakfast if I'm not hungry, but I make up for that at lunch!

[@claytonatkinson4823]

Hi Dennis! I am looking at starting at Epic as a SD. How’s the work life balance like and do you have any tips?

[@dennisling]

Hey Clayton! I'd say the work life balance depends on the team and person, but in general SD's have pretty solid lifestyles at Epic. Work was not too stressful for me, ~43 hours on average per week, and the work was interesting to me. For tips, I'd recommend general SD interview prep plus some very general system design familiarity (and be prepared for IQ-like assessments).

[@cameronsterrett5552]

How do/did you enjoy epic? I have an interview with them tomorrow for a technological solutions engineer and have seen mixed reviews.

[@dennisling]

I enjoyed it! You should definitely learn to balance work and know when to push back, but overall I loved the people and the type of work I was doing.

[@ananyade2044]

How was your interview? I also have an interview scheduled next week.

[@Lorsby]

@@ananyade2044 How did it go? My son started working there 2 months ago.

[@chickenchaser6284]

Oh my god, seeing a $4 subsidized sandwich is almost enough to apply right now based on my own cafeteria lol

[@joshua5617]

What languages do you use at Epic as a software developer?

[@zidrockTV]

Hi Dennis. I'm interested on becoming a Healthcare Interface developer. Is there an advise you can give to me to start specially in programming and tools? Thanks in advance.

[@rgb5521]

Yes! Also I am interested.

[@dennisling]

If you haven't already, I'd recommend checking out Epic's career website for software developers: epic.avature.net/Careers/FolderDetail/Software-Developer/740 I don't have any tips for specific programming tools used in healthcare, but I'd say it's important to have a solid technical background in general

[@zidrockTV]

Thank you for taking your time to reply my message. Thanks for the recommendation.

[@melissaravelo3175]

Hi this is what I want to do in the future. What course should I pursue in college? Thank you!

[@dennisling]

I'd recommend dipping your toes in some computer science courses to see if that's what you enjoy! Maybe you can take some courses as well in health-related fields if that's your passion.

[@w771109w]

Thank you for making this vedio. It's quite of much help to have a chance to know what a real life it is for people like me who is planning to study in health informatics in the US. I have heard from my friends that health informatics companies like Epic System in the US do not hire international graduates who don't have a green cards. May I confirm the correctness of this info as this kind of info is scarce online? If it's true, may I have your recommmendation about career development for international studensts with major in health informatics and who like to work and live in the US? Thanks for reading this message.

[@dennisling]

Hello! I'm not too familiar about Epic's policies on hiring international graduates. I'd recommend you reach out directly to Epic if you haven't already. As for other career development opportunities, there are many companies out there delving into health tech. Perhaps one avenue is to look at bigger tech companies like Amazon, Google, or Meta that all have health-related apps now, because they should all be offering support with work visas.

[@andrewalson2612]

Hey Dennis, do you still monitor this channel? I found your video looking specifically for Epic software engineer content because I really want to work there. I looked you up on LinkedIn and it looks like you might not work there anymore, but is there any remote chance I could pick your brain with a few questions about the tech stack and practices there to make myself a stronger candidate? Thanks, I hope your life and your career are gong great.

[@EDvids113]

Hey man how did you get that mac as your work computer

[@dennisling]

All iOS mobile developers need a mac to develop in Xcode.

[@ammumeme5789]

How can I learn to use dashboards in general? I am a healthcare worker who wants to go into population health? Thanks

[@dennisling]

I'm not too sure... there are probably ways out there to get Epic trainings and certifications though

[@jaysinghsolanki7094]

You are developer or you on interop hl7 interface project

[@JayMartinez-y5r]

which programming language do you primarily work with?

[@clarityofthought]

what is your opinion of the project managers in the company?

[@dennisling]

They tend to be very personable and great at organization and leadership. Overall I've had great interactions with them, although they seem very busy.

[@chengwang4955]

will start as software developer this Nov, Could you suggest any apartment in 15 minutes drive range? Thanks

[@dennisling]

There are plenty of options - depends on what you're looking for (quality / location / price range).

[@shakiarenee6169]

Hi Dennis thanks for sharing! I am one month away from graduating with my bachelors in health informatics and is very interesting in becoming a Healthcare developer. Can i please ask you a couple questions.

[@dennisling]

Sure, I can do my best to answer them

[@kp5988]

Hey Dennis I am in the same boat as Shakia. There are not very many videos and you tubers who are in Healthcare Development. Have you thought about making a video talking about your background, what systems you work with most (HL7? DICOM? FHIR? Database languages? Etc?). Salary? Current trends in the market?

[@lesllyfashion]

Can anyone tell me how to become a software developer for epic, I have a degree in Cybersecurity, I work in healthcare but I want to switch up career for software engineer. any Idea.

[@Calvin_Chen]

Hey Dennis, what app are you working on and do you enjoy it?

[@Victoria-cl5of]

I dont think he can publically share this information.

[@Victoria-cl5of]

But it does look like it's an awesome workplace!

[@dennisling]

Hey Calvin, I'm currently on the Dorothy and Comfort team (home health and hospice). Yeah, I definitely enjoy it!

[@lvene9660]

Hi whats the trouble shooting when Epic is running so slow? 🥴

[@joshuacharlery8529]

They offered me a job as a technical solutions engineer, but I am a mechanical engineer

[@chefboyapolakayvlogs]

Sending my love and support host

[@dennisling]

Thanks!

[@jaamac5798]

How’s the work life balance? Many reviews of the company says it’s not great.

[@dennisling]

My personal experience as a software developer is a very pleasant work life balance.

[@jaamac5798]

@@dennisling sounds good, I’m interviewing for a technical solutions engineer position for Epic. Any tips?

[@ananyade2044]

@@jaamac5798 Hey did you get an offer?

[@eemanasad147]

Hi. How did you become a healthcare software engineer? Did you take any courses in healthcare?

[@dennisling]

Hello Eeman! I did not take any courses in healthcare - all I had to do was have a solid background in computer science / programming.

[@eemanasad147]

@@dennisling All right. Thank you

[@jixster1566]

Hi, a bit late to the party here. Did you / do you like living in Madison Wisconsin?

[@MusicSeason22]

I have a phone interview for a job at Epic. What is it like living in Wisconsin? Can you do a winter tour? Or a winter day and the life?

[@dennisling]

Sorry, I'm late to responding here. Wisconsin is a solid college town with plenty to do. I can look into doing a winter tour/day in the life later in the year!

[@saja7366]

An Engineer at Epic who lives in what appears to be a 1 bedroom apt, empty closet, drives a toyota carolla. Can only imagine what they're paying him...

[@dennisling]

www.levels.fyi/company/Epic-Systems/salaries/Software-Engineer/

[@Lorsby]

Frugal dude, from what I have heard. Way to sock it away, Dennis!

[@nasireddyvivekanandareddy4927]

Bro masters in health informatics worth for me i will get job in any health tech company

[@dennisling]

If that's what you're interested, sounds great!

[@v1rG0]

I miss the sheep, they used to go on rooftop.

[@sagarpj9]

1500 cal in one go for lunch... dude.. u could have pushed that sandwich to evening snack or skip it completley

[@richardalfaro3890]

Oh poor baby.....LMFAO

[@lauren3655]

Hey Dennis, are you still working for Epic? I’m a registered nurse with a bachelors. Currently doing a 9-month coding bootcamp course through UMass to become a software engineer. I’m interested in working for Epic with my background and would appreciate connecting with you on LinkedIn.

[@dennisling]

Hi Lauren, I'm no longer working at Epic, but I'm still a software developer in health tech. I don't really use LinkedIn much, but feel free to reach out via email.

[@lauren3655]

@@dennisling thank you! That would be great. Can I send you an email?

[@andrewalson2612]

Lauren, how is your journey going? I'm also really interested in Epic getting my Bachelor's.

[@innocentadebiyi2660]

I have an interview coming up. Do you have an email? I’d like to ask you some questions? @dennis

[@dennisling]

Sorry, I was late to responding here. I hope your interview went well!