Medical Assistants Are Inspirations!

Every day they touch people’s lives with their extraordinary skills and caring ways. Each issue of Medical Assisting Today shines the spotlight on a medical assistant with a unique story.

 


“I started at a small practice working part-time, and over time, my career blossomed. It wasn’t always easy, but it’s been rewarding. Anyone can do it, you just have to trust in your medical assisting skills and be willing to work hard."

Melinda Hoffman, CMA (AAMA)
Medical assistant coordinator at GI Associates

 

In the Spotlight: After departing from her role as a medical assistant for a family practice, Melinda Hoffman, CMA (AAMA), gathered experience in other health care positions and spent some time at home caring for her children. However, she eventually found her way back to medical assisting. Today, she serves as a medical assisting coordinator for GI Associates, where she manages the schedules of six medical assistants and facilitates staff and leadership meetings. This promotion has enabled Hoffman to advocate for her fellow medical assistants and ensure their needs are met, while also growing and learning invaluable skills each day. 
July/August 2025

A Light in the Dark: CMA (AAMA) Supports Oncology Patients

In the spotlight: After taking a job at an oncology clinic, Grace Barnes Chavous has worked in the infusion suite and on the practice side of the clinic. With a positive attitude and lots of compassion, Barnes Chavous offers comfort to patients during difficult times and develops lasting connections. 

"It’s so rewarding to see [patients] finish their chemo or when they come back for a follow-up and they’re cancer-free. It reminds me that my purpose is to come to work every day and help patients during this difficult time."

Grace Barnes Chavous, CMA (AAMA)
Medical assistant at an oncology clinic

"It's never too late to pursue your dream. I know my mom would be so happy that I'm living it now."

Name: Mindy Stark, CMA (AAMA)
Occupation: Medical assistant at an HIV and hepatitis C clinic

May/June 2025

What's Lost and Found: Personal Loss Inspires Professional Gain for CMA (AAMA) 

In the spotlight: Inspired by their shared interest in medicine, Mindy Stark was able to become a medical assistant with some help from her mom. After gaining experience in various specialties, Stark embraces on-the-job learning, as well as supports—and builds trusting relationships with—patients at an HIV and hepatitis C clinic.


March/April 2025

Put at Ease: CMA (AAMA) Provides Comforting Care for Patients with Chronic Pain

In the spotlight: With personal experience related to post-surgical pain, Amybeth Box supports patients who have chronic pain with empathy and understanding. In addition to educating patients and assisting with their visits, she offers a listening ear. Box finds satisfaction in having a well-rounded background in various specialties and enjoys seeing patients find pain relief through treatment. 

"There are days that are tough, when patients are really struggling, but I take pride in showing them compassion and making them feel better."

Name: Amybeth Box, CMA (AAMA)
Occupation: Pain management medical assistant in the San Diego area

"My CMA (AAMA) [certification] took me further than I ever expected and allowed me to stand out and accomplish so much."

Anita Figueroa, CMA (AAMA)
Medical assistant at a senior independent living facility in Lincolnshire, Illinois

January/February 2025

Frequently Asked Questions: ​CMA (AAMA) Known for Answering Patient Calls for Help

In the spotlight: With nearly 40 years of diverse experiences as a medical assistant, Anita Figueroa offers more than her knowledge to the residents at her workplace; she brings compassion and joy. Known by residents as Ann Landers for her ability to supply inspiration and aid, Figueroa takes pride in her ability to uplift others, expansive continuing education, profession, and certification.

November/December 2024

A Home Run: CMA (AAMA) Steps Up to the Plate in Sports Medicine

In the spotlight: After retiring from the U.S. Air Force with 23 years of service, Mike Radke, CMA (AAMA), found himself experiencing an adjustment period.  After some self-reflection, he felt a calling to obtain medical assisting skills.

In 2017, at 47 years old, Radke received an associate of occupational studies degree in medical assisting. For the next three years, he worked as a medical assisting educator in a neurology clinic and for Cancer Treatment Centers of America until it closed its Tulsa, Oklahoma, location.

Mike Radke, CMA (AAMA)

“As a combat veteran, I’ve had many bone and joint injuries and three concussions, with one classified as a traumatic brain injury,” he says. “When I initially see patients [with concussion], I know exactly what they’re going through, and it’s rewarding to support them.”

Mike Radke, CMA (AAMA), Medical assistant, Center for Exercise and Sports Medicine, Oklahoma University Health Physicians

Photos and other AAMA images may not be used without express permission from the AAMA. Legal action will be taken against violators. Requests for the use of photos and images may be directed to the AAMA Marketing and Communications Department at the following email address: MarCom@aama-ntl.org. 

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