This week on Casual Fridays we’re sitting down with Elizabeth Billetz from ScribeAmerica. ScribeAmerica is the nation’s most frequently used medical scribe company serving more than 3500 clients. They’ve been ranked on the Inc. 5000 list ten years in a row for the fastest growing private companies.

Since being established in 2003, ScribeAmerica has successfully developed the nation’s first “career scribes,” with individuals holding advanced degrees who have built careers at the organization, and is the first scribe company to manage programs on both coasts. Today Elizabeth sheds some light on what it is like working as a medical scribe as well as the professional development and opportunity for growth that comes along with it.

Kelly Dougherty: Thanks for joining us, Elizabeth. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?

Elizabeth Billetz: Yes! I’m Elizabeth Billetz and I am a Talent Acquisition Advisor for ScribeAmerica.

KD: So we know the positions that you typically hire for are medical scribe positions, correct?

EB: Yes.

KD: For those who may be unaware, how would you describe the role of a medical scribe?

EB: Joining ScribeAmerica’s team as a Scribe will be one of the most impactful and rewarding experiences of your life. A Scribe is on the “front line” of healthcare, serving as an integral member of the care team and acting as a physician’s personal efficiency partner. While a Scribe does not perform clinical work (e.g., does not touch patients, does not practice medicine), they are completely immersed in the healthcare ecosystem by standing elbow-to-elbow with a physician or nurses for 8+ hours each day. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime professional experience that should not be missed by anyone who is considering a career in healthcare! At every shift, a Scribe works side by side with board-certified physicians to perform a variety of tasks: document patient encounters, locate lab/radiology results or prior medical records, and/or assist the physician with any number of his/her non-clinical responsibilities. A Scribe truly witnesses all of the action close up and first-hand: you will see what actually happens in the fast-paced environment of an emergency department, observe a wide variety of cases from trauma to pediatrics to the elderly, and develop lasting relationships with your fellow Scribes and your partnering physicians. 

KD: Great! Can you talk a little about how this could be a great stepping stone for students/recent grads who are hoping to explore other career paths in healthcare?

EB: Whether it’s helping you gain entrance into medical/nursing school, giving you priceless advice and insight, or just leading by example as a consummate professional, your partnering physician will profoundly affect your future as a healthcare professional. Your Scribe experience—the people you meet, the relationships you develop, the encounters you witness— will change your life! Don’t wait, apply to be a Scribe today!  In addition to work in the healthcare industry, this position also provides opportunities for growth within our company.  These positions include but are not limited to HR, Talent Acquisition, Training, Hiring, and corporate leadership.

KD: Do you need your college degree to be a medical scribe?

EB: Not necessarily. We hire full-time and part-time positions for freshmen to seniors and even alumni.

KD: Is recruiting at ScribeAmerica Cyclical or year round?

EB: Year round!

KD: How is DEI supported and reflected in your practices and culture at ScribeAmerica?

EB: ScribeAmerica’s DEI Council aims to develop and foster an environment of inclusion, recognition and community within the diverse ScribeAmerica family. Through continued discussion, listening and shared learning, we seek to ensure every ScribeAmerica employee feels welcomed, understood and most importantly, celebrated within our organization. More information can be found on the ScribeAmerica website: https://www.scribeamerica.com/diversity-inclusion/

KD: Thank you for sharing that resource! What would you say is the best part about working at ScribeAmerica?

EB: Definitely one-on-one experience working with healthcare professionals as they see and treat patients.

KD: Thanks Elizabeth! Who is the best person for students to contact should they have any questions?
EB: Me! Elizabeth Billetz (elizabeth.billetz@scribeamerica.com)