Connie Litorco Unlocks New Career Opportunities through Versatile Experience
Connie Litorco began her career in health by studying microbiology at the University of Calgary. Driven by a love of learning, yet uncertain about her long-term career goals, Connie chose a path that allowed her to work directly with people.
After several years as a massage therapist, Connie transitioned into the oil and gas sector. Despite the drastic career change, she thrived. Connie progressed from a supervisory role to working as a business systems analyst. In this position, she collaborated with numerous teams, helping them understand and integrate various workflows to improve efficiency. It was during this time that Connie discovered her passion for solving complex problems and making systems work more effectively.
When a health crisis forced Connie to step away from the workforce, she gained a new perspective on the importance of accessible, well-organized health information. As a patient, she experienced firsthand the need for cohesive medical records, which rekindled her desire to work in health care. She then pursued a diploma in medical transcription and began working toward a degree in health information management.
In her current role as a Medical Scribe, Connie combines her unique blend of clinical experience, business analysis, and personal encounters with the health care system. “A medical scribe is a health care professional who assists physicians and other health care providers by documenting patient encounters in real time,” Connie explains. This involves documenting patient information and assisting with various administrative tasks, such as scheduling follow-up appointments and processing referrals, which helps free up the health care provider’s time. Additionally, scribes help ensure that patient records are thorough and accurate, reducing the risk of errors in patient care.
This diverse skill set enables Connie to anticipate physicians’ needs, streamline workflows, and enhance patient care, alleviating the administrative burden on doctors and allowing them to focus more on their patients.
As Connie prepares to complete the health information program and take the national certification exam in October, she envisions a future where she acts as a bridge between health care providers and IT developers. Her goal is to advocate for the integration of health information principles into the design and implementation of medical software, ensuring that new technologies comply with regulatory standards while meeting the needs of both clinicians and patients.
“Finding a career path where I can use everything I have learned through my various education and work experiences would be fulfilling. I hope that in my future HIM career, I will focus on helping to create provider-friendly technology that will enhance patient care, decrease provider burnout, and improve understanding of technology and clinical workflow.”
Connie’s journey illustrates that it is completely acceptable to have an uncertain career path. What truly matters is a dedication to learning, the flexibility to adapt, and the courage to follow your passions. Skills gained in one role can often transfer to another, and some of the most rewarding careers are found by exploring unexpected detours along the way.
Biography
Connie Litorco earned her HIM diploma with President’s List honors from CD-ED (Centre of Distance Education) in September 2024. She has experience as a Pathology Medical Transcriptionist and Medical Scribe.
