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  • Dr. Paul Hobbs, M.D., left, visits with Medical Assistant Amber Camp. Teddye Snell

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October 24, 2011

Medical assistants provide valuable services

By TEDDYE SNELL CNHI

By TEDDYE SNELL

Press Staff Writer

Medical assistants could be considered the unsung heroes of any physician’s practice.

They’re flexible, helpful, and knowledgeable in many areas, and are responsible for everything from taking patients’ vital signs to making appointments.

Today rounds out National Medical Assistants Recognition Week, and Dr. Paul Hobbs, M.D., for Tahlequah Medical Group appreciates the work provided by medical assitants in his practice.

“Medical assistants are essential for an office medical practice in today’s world,” said Hobbs. “They are specially trained to make our jobs easier.”

Amber Camp, MA, for Tahlequah Medical Group, said she enjoys the job because she likes helping people.

She attended Northeastern State University for preprofessional medical courses, but received the majority of her training on the job at TMG.

“I check vitals, set up appointments and referrals for specialists, and give patients their lab results,” said Camp. “During flu season, I also give a lot of vaccinations.”

While it’s possible to start a care in medical assisting with on-the-job training, some employers prefer a formal education or training program. Programs are typically available through vocational high schools, and in colleges and universities. Typical medical assistant training programs lead to a degree or certificate, and last one or two years, respectively.

Many medical assisting programs are accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools. Accredited programs often offer internships at hospitals or clinics as part of their programs.

According to Valerie Rogers, chief nurse executive at Cherokee Nation Hastings Hospitals, medical assistants are valuable assets within the tribe’s health care system.

“They work under the supervision of physicians, so generally work in outpatient settings like doctors’ offices,” said Rogers. “They perform a variety of clinical, as well as administrative, work assignments.”

Rogers said medical assistants are also used in specialty fields, including orthopedics, podiatry and ophthalmology.

“Several specialties specifically train staff to perform various tasks and procedures,” said Rogers.  “To become a certified medical assistant, formal training is required, although many medical assistants undergo on-the-job training from the physician, and work for many years and function extremely well. In the hospital setting, we have a few certified medical assistants, although they function in the role of a nursing assistant.”

Camp believes several character traits are necessary to become a successful MA.

“It’s important you have good people skills,” said Camp. “More often than not, the people you deal with aren’t feeling well, and may not be on their best behavior. You have to be pleasant, and do your best to put them at ease. You can’t be squeamish, either. This isn’t a job for you if bodily fluids bug you.”

While Camp enjoyed learning on the job, she recommends additional classes.

“Get an education,” she said.

“There is so much you have to learn, including testing, lab results, etc., and it’s important you have a working knowledge of these things. I’m a quick study, but it’s best to stay in school.”

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