From Student to Leader: Connie Crittin’s Career Journey
Connie Crittin, a dedicated leader, describes herself as a “professional student.” A mother of two and a resident of Prince George, British Columbia, Connie works hard to balance her career, motherhood, and an insatiable quest for knowledge. At forty-three, she states that she is finally beginning to find her niche.
Armed with a wide array of knowledge, Connie reflects that her academic journey has been crucial in shaping her career and preparing her for the challenges and responsibilities of her current role at Northern Health. “I have been with Northern Health for twelve years,” Connie recalls. “I’ve worked in different capacities and taken on various responsibilities.” Some of Connie’s roles have included working as a medical transcriptionist, a lab receptionist, and in Information Management/Information Technology (IMIT).
A previous supervisor encouraged Connie to pursue the Health Information Management Program. “He said if I wanted to go far in IMIT, I had to have my Health Information Management certification. So, I worked full-time while completing the program and became certified.” This diversity in roles has enabled Connie to understand the nuances of the healthcare system, enhancing her ability to lead and innovate within her field.
Connie is now a Program Specialist for Mental Health and Substance Use at Northern Health. She believes that her certification provided a framework and guide for applying the principles of Health Information Management in the clinical area. “The information lifecycle—access, use, disclosure, monitoring, and evaluation—may not be as understood in the clinical program area; so it’s exciting that I can apply these concepts to my position now. It is about having the right people, in the right place, at the right time.”
Connie hopes to strengthen clinical programs by encouraging health information management concepts to extend beyond the IT realm. By integrating clinical insights with data, she aims to dissolve silos and ensure that every patient’s health journey is well-documented, comprehensive, and conducive to better health outcomes. “Applying governance frameworks and understanding that healthcare is more than just patients’ charts is important,” she says.
Looking ahead, Connie is committed to exploring new avenues where Health Information Management can make a meaningful impact beyond traditional boundaries. “Removing silos and aligning with the strategic goals of Northern Health will help contribute to the organization’s growth and efficiency, whether it’s through centralizing data processes or supporting mental health programs.”
Connie’s work at Northern Health is not just a job but a mission to continually improve and innovate within the healthcare system. “I am proud to be part of an organization that values the importance of health information as a cornerstone of patient care,” she says.
Reflecting on her career, Connie expresses a deep sense of fulfillment and gratitude. “I am grateful for the opportunities I have had and the people, management, and mentors with whom I have worked. Health Information Management professionals have a place everywhere in healthcare. It’s not just behind a desk coding patients’ charts or registering patients.” She emphasizes that Health Information Management is about improving data integrity and supporting and educating across the board. “At the end of the day, we have to ask, who are we doing this for?”
Biography
Connie Crittin, BSc, CHIM, is a Program Specialist in Mental Health and Substance Use at Northern Health in British Columbia, Canada. Her goal is to create efficiencies and improve patient care.
