A Career in Focus: Simon Minshall’s Reel Life from Kodak to the Classroom
There’s a saying that goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words,” which expresses how a single image can convey multiple meanings. If this is true, how can a snapshot of a person’s career path capture the depth and richness of their journey? What lessons have been learned, and what passions have been ignited along the way?
For Simon Minshall, much of his career journey feels like watching an old-school film reel, with each transition capturing a different moment. His story began in the United Kingdom, in the backroom of Kodak, the iconic photography giant. Simon spent six years at Kodak in a technical role, applying his Bachelor’s degree in Photographic and Electronic Imaging Sciences. During his time there, he developed workflows and trained others on the digital cinema imaging process and the use of the electronic images to transform the industry out of the film age.
“Kodak was the place where the magic happened,” Simon shared.
Surrounded by the hum of innovation, Simon had the opportunity to work on technology that would forever change how we enjoy movies.
However, as all cinema enthusiasts know, the show must go on. While Simon enjoyed his time at Kodak, he recognized that his career path would eventually lead him back to the health care sector. What’s fascinating is how these two worlds—entertainment imaging and health information—intersected. At Kodak, Simon focused on capturing the perfect moment; now, as an Assistant Teaching Professor in the School of Health Information Science at the University of Victoria, he is doing something similar. Instead of digitally scanning film, he’s helping students shape their futures.
“Somewhere along the line, I connected all my experiences to teaching. This influences how I conduct myself in the classroom.”
Simon’s career path has been a blend of genres—part tech thriller, part coming-of-age story, and part inspirational drama. In each scene, he demonstrates a forward-thinking mindset, always focused on the next frame and shot. Whether he’s helping students grasp complex data or improving the health information curriculum for the Canadian Health Information Management Association, Simon is constantly moving forward, adjusting the focus, and capturing what’s next.
“This work is fun and interesting, and I try to make the content fun and engaging for my students. I don’t treat my students like workers who must do one thing or the other to pass the exam. For example, every year, there may be a weird disease that will pop up, and I collect these, and for an assignment, I may give my students five YouTube videos and ask them to watch them and find out what is wrong with the subjects and make an ICD coding.”
Simon’s career hasn’t been a series of unrelated snapshots—it is a full-length film, rich with color, movement, and life. And as any great director knows, the best stories aren’t just about where you’ve been, but about where you’re headed next.
“I feel a real sense of duty to give back and train the next generation to go forward.” And Simon Minshall’s journey is a narrative that speaks volumes.
Biography
Simon Minshall is an Assistant Teaching Professor and PhD candidate at the School of Health Information Science at the University of Victoria, in British Columbia. He has over 20 years of professional experience in imaging technologies and software development within the health care and entertainment industries.
