At HL7, we talk a lot about interoperability, but the real magic comes from the people who make it real in clinics, hospitals, apps and systems around the world. The HL7 Interoperability Express Award is our way of celebrating those community members who don’t just work with standards, they champion them. This award recognizes individuals who have gone above and beyond by earning four HL7 certifications, demonstrating not only technical skill but also commitment, curiosity and serious perseverance.
Certifications might look like documents or résumé lines, but in our community they’re closer to badges of honor. Each HL7 certification represents hours of learning, problem-solving, and the courage to put your knowledge to the test. Earning one certification is a meaningful milestone. Earning four is something entirely different. It signals both depth and breadth of expertise across the HL7 standards family and sends a clear message: this is someone you can trust to navigate the complexity of modern health IT.
When we set out to design a physical award worthy of that effort, we knew it couldn’t be just another plaque destined for a bookshelf. We chose a Lego bullet train as the symbol of the HL7 Interoperability Express Award because it embodies what our standards and our certified experts are all about. The bullet train reflects speed, modernity, and precision, connecting places and people with seamless efficiency. The bricks represent modularity and flexibility: just like HL7 standards that can be assembled, extended and adapted to meet real-world needs. Together, they form a playful yet powerful symbol of how thoughtful design and solid foundations can accelerate healthcare interoperability.
The recipients of the HL7 Interoperability Express Award are, quite literally, at the front of the train. They’re on the cutting edge of how HL7 standards are understood, implemented, and improved in real-world settings. By recognizing their achievement, we’re not just applauding what they’ve done: we’re signaling where the future of interoperability is headed. To everyone who has earned this award: thank you for leading the way. And to those still on their certification journey: the Interoperability Express is boarding, and there’s a seat waiting for you.
