Medical Executive Assistant - A Specialized Career Path With Great Rewards

by Mike Churchill

As doctors and other medical professionals become increasingly busy, they find themselves seeking others to alleviate the stress and time constraints they often feel. Because the medical field has experienced expansive growth, doctors find the demands on their schedules can sometimes be overbearing. Qualified administrative assistants with medical knowledge are developed through a specialized career path called medical executive assistant. Program graduates in this vocation will perform a combination of duties in both fields (medical and administrative).

A medical executive assistant may find him/herself working for a department head at a hospital, the office of a medical specialist, a private clinic or many other settings. Just as diverse as the workplaces are the duties that may be required of you as a medical executive assistant program graduate.

Clerical Assistance – Most people who seek the aid of a medical executive assistant have a program or schedule that must be followed precisely. Many busy doctors operate from multiple offices, participate in conferences or provide keynote addresses at association meetings. This creates a need for someone to handle transportation and travel arrangements. Clear communication with other physicians, nurses, administrative staff and patients is also a responsibility that may fall to the medical executive assistant (MEA). The scheduling of the medical professional's appointments frequently plays a vital role as well.

In addition, an MEA could be asked to produce medical reports, transcribe and process records and case files, as well as manage certain aspects of the medical office.

Medical Assistance - Medical executive assistants may also expect to help doctors and patients with the examination process. Preparing an exam room so that it is equipped for the physician and comfortable for the patient is a common responsibility. Likewise, some medical executive assistants work under the direction of a doctor to measure and record vital signs or prepare patient prescriptions.

Interviewing patients can be a helpful part of a medical executive assistant's day. By gathering information from patients and translating it into the most accurate medical terminology, the MEA can save a doctor a good deal of time in diagnosing and treating conditions.

Would You Make A Good Medical Executive Assistant?

This challenging profession requires a willingness to help others as well as an interest in medicine. Because you might be asked to assist with patients, those who are not comfortable with observing and/or participating in procedures may not be well suited for this vocation.

The medical field is fast-paced and very precise, so the ability to move quickly yet accurately is vital. Detail-oriented, organized individuals who are compassionate would be excellent candidates. If you are a natural problem solver who is self-motivated and works well both with and without supervision, you could find satisfaction after graduating from a medical executive assistant program.

High school graduates and adults in career transition should look for a college that offers a specialized degree in medical executive assisting. Many times, flexible schedules are available for those who will retain their current jobs while attending school.

Mike Churchill offers online marketing support for Gibbs College in Rhode Island. Applications for the medical executive assistant program are now being accepted. Get details at http://www.gibbsri.edu. © 2007, All Rights Reserved