Rita Parmar sits in front of a blurred Zoom background, waiting for the timer to go off, signaling that the cake she baked for her father-in-law’s birthday is finished.

Born and raised on a small island off the coast of British Columbia, Rita’s career journey began after she completed high school. She moved to Vancouver to pursue further education, and while she was uncertain about her career aspirations, one thing was clear: she wanted to work in healthcare.

Since those early days, Rita has become a respected figure in Health Information Management (HIM), particularly in Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI). Over the past 25 years, her professional life has been characterized by continuous learning, balancing personal commitments with a growing career, and making significant contributions to her field.

This is her story.

Early in her career, Rita worked part-time as a clerk in a small community hospital while pursuing her education. There, she became familiar with health records and began building a foundation in the healthcare field. “At the time, everything was quite consolidated, and HIM teams all worked closely together,” Rita recalled. This hands-on experience in a small hospital laid the groundwork for her future career in Health Information.

Interestingly, Rita’s first choice was not health information management. She originally applied to the X-ray technician program but was waitlisted, prompting her to explore other options. A family friend introduced her to Health Information, and upon further investigation, Rita discovered the Health Information Management program. The program resonated with her immediately, and she decided to switch paths. Rita describes this decision as pivotal: “I applied and got in, and the rest is history.”

Throughout her career, Rita’s ability to balance personal responsibilities with her professional aspirations has been impressive and inspiring. One of the key moments in her life, similar to many women, came when she had children. Rather than stepping away entirely from her work, she chose to take on casual and job-sharing roles to stay connected to her field while raising her family. For nearly a decade, she balanced part-time work with parenting, gradually transitioning from a two-day-a-week role to eventually resuming full-time employment.

“There was a huge learning curve,” Rita admits as she reflects on her reintegration into full-time work and a new role within health information management. However, she felt reinvigorated by the opportunity to learn and grow. Returning to full-time work marked a turning point in her career. “It really motivated me to get back into my career, and I was excited about it, but I had to take a lot of initiative to upgrade my skills,” she noted.

Rita’s adaptability, initiative, and commitment to continuous learning were vital to her successful return to the workforce.

When you are out of the workforce for an extended period, feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt can be common. “Sometimes you feel like you’re not sufficient enough,” Rita reflected, “or that you don’t quite meet the role.” Despite these initial insecurities, Rita persevered, thanks to the support and guidance of mentors who helped shape her professional development. One manager, in particular, had a profound impact on her journey. “She always encouraged me to learn and step out of my comfort zone,” Rita said. This mentor provided consistent feedback and encouragement.

Mentorship has been crucial in Rita’s ability to navigate her career, and she is now a strong advocate for the importance of finding a mentor. “Sometimes, when you don’t find that person, you feel a little lost,” she explained. “Having someone to turn to for guidance and support can make all the difference.”

Rita’s involvement with the Canadian Health Information Management Association (CHIMA) began in 2018 when she applied for a role as a Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) community facilitator. In this role, she fosters a community of practice for CDI specialists across Canada, helping to develop resources, webinars, and professional practice briefs for the field.

Over the six years Rita has collaborated with CHIMA, her role has evolved. She now serves as a professional practice consultant, overseeing certification programs and updating professional resources. Recently, she worked with students from Western University to develop the Physician’s Guide to Clinical Documentation Improvement, a resource that bridges the gap between physicians and health information professionals.

As a leader in her field, Rita is enthusiastic about the future of health information management. The rapid evolution of technology, including the implementation of electronic health records and artificial intelligence, presents new opportunities. “The landscape is changing and evolving so much. I tell anyone interested in health information management to be open to learning and growth. Don’t wait for managers to tell you what to do. Take initiative—be a self-starter.”

Biography

Rita is a Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist at Providence Health Care in Vancouver, British Columbia. With over 25 years of experience in Health Information Management (HIM), her career includes roles such as Health Records and Release of Information Specialist, Data Coordinator in a childhood cancer study, coder, and Cerner trainer. Rita also serves as a CHIMA Professional Practice Consultant, contributing to the implementation of electronic health records and the advancement of the profession.

Outside of work, Rita enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, and staying active at the gym.