It's a Passion: Medical Assisting

A medical assistant carries out basic patient examinations and fulfill a variety of clerical duties, but their role in the field of medicine is far more vital than the standard job description the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates. Without medical assistants' hard work and sense of passion, clinics and hospitals might quickly fall into chaos.

VARIED DUTIES

Although medical assistants are often expert at office tasks, they also frequently find themselves out of the office and in the examination room. There, they communicate with patients about their current health status, as well as the steps that they must take in order to promote better health on an everyday basis. Effective communication requires both a thorough understanding of medical terminology and a passion for delivering exceptional medical care.

Patients can quickly recognize whether medical assistants care about their well-being. A caring nature can convince otherwise apathetic patients to abide by the specific physician instructions imparted by the medical assistant. Empathy is also a highly valued trait among medical assistants, who understand the physical and mental anguish often experienced by patients and their loved ones. Eager to be a much-needed source of comfort, medical assistants patiently talk patients through procedures, bring them water and do whatever else it takes to make each medical appointment and procedure as positive an experience as possible.

GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND

Whether medical assistants are asked to greet patients or record vitals, many go above and beyond their official job duties in hopes of positively impacting the lives of patients and physicians alike. Several examples of ordinary medical assistants combining care and passion are highlighted in the American Association of Medical Assistants' (AAMA) gratitude publication. One especially thankful occupational specialist admits that when she got her car stuck in the snow, her medical assistant rescheduled necessary appointments, drove her to work, and even dropped her daughter off at daycare.

RECOGNIZING MEDICAL ASSISTANTS

The passion of medical assistants is highlighted during Medical Assistants Recognition Week (MARWeek) when physicians and other medical employees pay homage to the hardworking individuals who make their jobs far less hectic. Professionals from all branches of medicine realize that the passion of medical assistants makes a huge difference in small clinics, large hospitals, and every other type of medical setting.

Medical assisting is more than a way to pay the bills -- it's a calling that demands a level of passion often unmatched in other professions.

At Concorde, we are dedicated to developing the next generation of medical assistants. Contact one of our advisors for the information you need to begin your career in health care today.