Beyond Borders: Denys Chernenko’s Journey into the Unknown
Denys Chernenko, born in Ukraine, moved to Canada on his own in August 2013. At just eighteen years old, Denys embarked on this overseas journey with two things: resounding optimism and a passion for health care. Determined to pursue his dream, Denys attended—and later graduated from—George Brown College in Toronto, Ontario, with a degree in Health Information Management. This decision marked the beginning of a rewarding career path.
Armed with the skills and knowledge to excel in his chosen field, and inspired by a conversation with a former professor, Denys decided to move to the Canadian Arctic to start his career. He has never regretted that decision.
“My college professor, who taught statistics and math, mentioned that one of his former students was working in a northern town called Inuvik. At the time, I wasn’t familiar with the North, so I asked my professor for his student’s email, and we connected. I took my CHIMA (Canadian Health Information Management Association) exam on a Wednesday, and by that Saturday, I was on a flight to Edmonton. By Sunday, I was in the North, and I started my first shift on Monday.”
Starting a career in a remote location can be challenging, but Denys was determined to seize the opportunity. The unfamiliar environment and the responsibilities of his new role only fueled his desire to succeed. To thrive, Denys fully committed himself to his role, adapted to living north of sixty, and embraced every learning experience with an open mind and strong work ethic.
When asked to describe his time in Inuvik, Denys reminisced, “Inuvik was a unique experience. I had the opportunity to immerse myself in nature, culture, and community. Honestly, it’s hard to put into words—you have to experience it yourself. The town of Inuvik was a real change from where I had grown up. It was a different world altogether, but there is a sense of community. It’s a beautiful place to live.”
Since beginning his professional journey, Denys’ life has undergone several positive changes. He is now married and a proud father to a one-month-old son. Denys has also relocated from Inuvik to another northern town, where he serves as the Information and Data Hub Coordinator at Northern Health. In this role, he facilitates and coordinates requests, including managing intake, gathering requirements, and acting as a liaison between Northern Health stakeholders and requesters.
Denys credits his experience in the Arctic as laying a solid foundation for his career.
His long-term goals include advancing further in health care information management, contributing to health care system improvements, and supporting the professional growth of his team members.
What are Denys’ hopes and aspirations?
“My number one hope for my son is that he gets to meet my parents, who still live in Ukraine. With the war in Ukraine…without my parents, there would be no son and no grandson. My second hope is that I raise a great human. I don’t care what he (chooses to) do in life. I just hope he’s empathetic, passionate about his hobbies, and a great human being.”
Denys Chernenko’s career journey is a compelling tale of determination, growth, and achievement. From his early days in Ukraine to his current role at Northern Health, Denys consistently demonstrates a passion for health care information and a commitment to positively impacting the lives of others.
Biography
Denys Chernenko is a dedicated Health Information Management Specialist with extensive experience in medical records, NACRS coding, and data quality improvement. With a strong background in problem-solving, time management, and collaboration, Denys continually strives to exceed organizational expectations and enhance the quality of health care data.
