About› Leadership› Board of Directors› Board of Directors Election: Meet the Candidates› Shannon O’Connor

Shannon O’Connor has over 15 years of experience in digital health, health data analytics and data standards development. An enthusiastic, forward-thinking leader, Shannon is passionate about using data standards to advance interoperability and improve health equity. As the Manager of Data Standards at the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), she works collaboratively with federal, provincial and territorial partners to develop and advance digital health standards across Canada.

Shannon thrives on making connections and establishing partnerships and has worked closely with Canadian and international health system leaders. Her ability to connect and work with a wide range of stakeholders has allowed her to effectively lead several significant projects and initiatives, including the Canadian Core Data for Interoperability (CACDI) and the development of the first pan-Canadian gender, sex and sexual orientation standards. Shannon is a voting member of the HL7 Canada Council and co-chair of Canada Health Infoway’s Sex and Gender Working Group. She is a seasoned public speaker and has presented at numerous conferences and industry events, including HIMSS, eHealth and Canada Health Infoway’s Partnership conference.

Shannon has a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree from Queen’s University and a Master of Arts (Honours) degree from the University of Ottawa and is a certified Prosci Change Practitioner. She is the proud mother of two young children and in her spare time, loves to spend as much time as possible outside, enjoying all that Canada has to offer.

Shannon has been a Digital Health Canada Member for 2 years.

Why do you want to join the Digital Health Canada Board of Directors at this point in your career?

As an active member of Digital Health Canada, I have seen first-hand the value that the organization brings to the Canadian health care landscape. I believe that we are on the cusp of a transformational era in Canadian digital health and could not be more excited about the opportunity to contribute to this as a member of Digital Health Canada’s Board of Directors.

With over a decade of experience in digital health at the pan-Canadian level, I have developed a diverse and well-rounded skill set that I believe will help advance Digital Health Canada’s strategic goals and objectives. My broad experience gives me a unique perspective on how Digital Health Canada can engage, support and expand its membership across the country. As I have progressed into a leadership role within my own career, I have made it my mission to connect with and empower future digital health leaders. Whether presenting at industry conferences or connecting with other Digital Health Canada members at regional events and Webinar Wednesdays, the association has been instrumental in shaping me as a digital health leader. I would love the opportunity to continue to support current and future digital health leaders through a strong and vibrant member association that empowers its members with the tools and resources needed to meaningfully contribute to digital health in Canada.

How does your experience align with the Digital Health Canada strategic plan and mandate?

I believe strongly in Digital Health Canada’s mission to connect, empower, and inspire those enabling digital health care in Canada and am looking forward to applying my skills, knowledge and experience to help advance and build upon the organization’s strategic goals.

My experience in digital health, health data analytics and data standards development directly aligns with Digital Health Canada’s strategic plan and mandate:

  • Excellence for Members: As a digital health leader, I am passionate about making connections and building partnerships, as well as empowering future digital health leaders. As the Manager of Data Standards at the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), I lead a team that develops and delivers an annual education session on digital health and data standards for post-secondary students from across Canada. This has evolved into a strong partnership between CIHI, Digital Health Canada and CHIMA and has reached hundreds of future digital health leaders. I will bring this passion to the Digital Health Canada Board of Directors and directly contribute to the organization’s strategy to build new partnerships and enhance its membership, particularly with emerging young professionals.
  • Acting for Equity: I am deeply committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and have several years of experience working with partners to develop digital health standards that advance health equity, including working directly with individuals with lived and/or living experience. This experience positions me well to help build trusting, reciprocal relationships with populations that are traditionally underrepresented in the digital health space.
  • Leadership for Industry: My work to help advance connected care through a patient-centred, common health data approach has given me unique insight into the evolving needs of the digital health industry. I have worked directly with digital health vendors and industry leaders and will use this knowledge and experience to help position Digital Health Canada as a leader and enabler of innovation within the Canadian digital health ecosystem.

I believe that my skills and experience make me an ideal candidate for Digital Health Canada’s Board of Directors. I am looking forward to the opportunity to leverage this expertise to help advance the organization’s strategic plan and mandate.

What unique skills, perspectives and contributions would you bring to the Digital Health Canada Board?

My experience working in digital health at the pan-Canadian level has given me a unique perspective on the diverse needs of health system stakeholders from across the country. Through my work to advance pan-Canadian interoperability, I have fostered strong relationships with federal, provincial and territorial partners and understand the rich complexity and diversity of digital health needs across Canada. As a member of the Digital Health Canada Board of Directors, I would leverage this perspective and these relationships to help ensure that the organization is meeting the needs of its members, regardless of geography.

I have also established myself as a leader within the international standards community, working closely with organizations such as ISO and HL7. Through this experience, I have collaborated with digital health leaders in countries such as Australia, the United States and the Netherlands. As a member of Digital Health Canada’s Board of Directors, I could leverage this experience to help advance Canadian digital health and help establish global partnership opportunities. The relationships that I have formed with Canadian and international partners would also allow me to make strategic connections for Digital Health Canada as it seeks to strengthen and advance its mandate in support of its members and the Canadian digital health ecosystem.

Lastly, I possess strong leadership skills and care deeply about empowering the next generation of Canadian digital health leaders. As a member of Digital Health Canada’s Board of Directors, I would work with association staff to help explore new opportunities to engage with Academic Institution Members (AIMs) and the students that participate through these memberships, helping to ensure that Digital Health Canada is delivering value to these members and that we are able to effectively harness their innovative perspectives and ideas.

Do you or have or have you ever had any direct patient care experience (clinical)?

Yes.

What segments within the Digital Health Canada community do you feel you will best represent?
  • Emerging Professionals
  • Leaders
  • National eHealth Organizations
With which Digital Health Canada committees, task groups or activities have you volunteered in past five years?
My most significant contributions to Digital Health Canada’s mission have been through active participation in conferences and events where I have been able to share my knowledge, build connections and advocate for the digital health industry in Canada. I am an active member of the Digital Health Canada community and have both moderated and presented at the eHealth conference, where I look forward to speaking again this year. I am also an active participant in Webinar Wednesdays and recently co-presented a session with my colleagues from the British Columbia Ministry of Health. Consistent with my passion for empowering future digital health leaders, I also facilitate an annual knowledge exchange session for post-secondary students, co-hosted by CIHI, Digital Health Canada and CHIMA, to educate future leaders about digital health and data standards.
What other board appointments or relevant leadership experiences have you had in the past five years?
Over the past five years, I have had a range of leadership experiences that have equipped me with the skills and expertise required to meaningfully contribute to the Digital Health Canada Board of Directors. As the Manager of Data Standards at the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), I am an active member of the organization’s management team and lead and provide strategic vision to a cross-functional team of digital health professionals. I am also a voting member of the HL7 Canada Council, where I represent Canada at international HL7 Working Group Meetings, and co-chair of Canada Health Infoway’s Sex and Gender Working Group.
Why do you feel Digital Health Canada members should vote for you?
Digital Health Canada members should vote for me because I bring a strong and unique combination of leadership, knowledge, experience and passion for advancing digital health in Canada. I excel at building relationships and have proven experience working with health system leaders from across Canada and internationally. I am extremely passionate about Canadian digital health and would bring a fresh perspective and energy to the board at a time when the sector is looking for an infusion of innovation and new ideas. I also care deeply about equity, diversity and inclusion and have experience working with individuals with lived and/or living experience to help bring their voices into our shared work. This has given me an ability to understand and reflect a diversity of needs and opinions, including those from traditionally underserved populations. Lastly, if elected, I would make it my mission to represent you, the Digital Health Canada members. I am a strong believer in the power of collaboration and am eager to work directly with members from across the country to help drive Digital Health Canada forward into its next chapter. Together, I know that we can help ensure that it is the most successful chapter yet!
Do you currently hold the CPHIMS-CA credential?
I am committed to achieving my CPHIMS-CA
Educational background
I have a Master of Arts degree from Ottawa University and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree from Queen’s University. I am also a certified Prosci Change Practitioner.