Medical assistants are recognized every October for their significant contributions. These important members of a senior’s medical team are crucial to patients’ well-being, supporting doctors and serving as the bridge between physician and patient. Medical Assistant Day is held in honor of them.

Who Are Medical Assistants?

Clinics run smoothly with the help of medical assistants. These professionals are a sort of administrative jack-of-all-trades in the medical field. Their duties primarily revolve around administrative tasks and basic clinical work. Medical assistants do not give medical advice, however.

Seniors are greeted by a medical assistant as they check in at the front desk of the medical facility or when they make an appointment. Medical assistants complete insurance forms and handle billing or bookkeeping. Health records are maintained by these attentive professionals, too.

Medical assistants handle some basic clinical duties. For example, they show elderly patients into the exam room and help them get ready to see the doctor. They record symptoms and update medical histories. Medical assistants support the physician during the elderly individual’s physical exam.

These professionals draw blood at the doctor’s office for any lab tests. If the physician prescribes medications, the medical assistant discusses, dispenses, and refills them. Seniors who have stitches may have them removed by a medical assistant, who also changes wound dressings.

What is Medical Assistant Day?

Without the contributions of medical assistants, both the medical and patient sides of the healthcare field would fail to run effortlessly. In honor of their dedication to patient care, medical assistants are recognized on Medical Assistant Recognition Day, held every third Wednesday in October.

The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) created both Medical Assistant Recognition Day and Medical Assistant Recognition Week. The latter is held annually on the third week in October, while the former is observed on the third Wednesday of that week.

In 2024, Medical Assistant Recognition week is held October 21-25. Medical Assistant Recognition Day is observed on Wednesday, October 23, 2024. Celebrations run throughout the week to show medical assistants how much their medical team members and patients appreciate them.

On Medical Assistant Day, health care professionals come together to celebrate the medical assistants on their team. Both this day and week are opportunities to share what makes medical assistants so vital to the health care community, especially since patients may not know what role they play.

How is Medical Assistant Day celebrated?

Elderly patients my run into a medical assistant or two during visits to the hospital or physician’s office. Medical Assistant Day is a great time to express gratitude for the tireless work they do. The following are a few ways patients and team members can celebrate this annual occasion.

1. Give Thanks

On Medical Assistant Day, say thanks to the medical assistant at the doctor’s office. These professionals are challenged every day to provide excellent patient care and deserve a pat on the back. While Medical Assistant Day is a time to express gratitude, give thanks to them at every doctor’s visit.

2. Host a Luncheon

The doctor’s office is encouraged to host a luncheon in honor of the medical assistants on their team. A smorgasbord of their favorite foods is a great way to show medical assistants how much their work is valued. If a luncheon is not practical, treat them to their favorite coffee.

3. Write Positive Reviews

Older adults who have good experiences with their medical assistant should write positive reviews on the health care facility’s website. In the review, mention the name of the medical assistant who showed exemplary care. Remember that health care experiences involve more than just the physician.

4. Share on Social Media

Seniors and their families can also post about their awesome medical assistants on their social media pages. Use the hashtag #MedicalAssistantsRecognitionDay at the end of every post to spread the word. The AAMA also offers social media graphics on its website to make posting easier.

5. Give Out Awards

Giving out fun awards is another way to celebrate the medical assistants at the clinic. These hardworking professionals will appreciate printed certificates or small trophies. Awards may be won for the medical assistant who is “Fastest on their Feet” or whose “Memory is Better than a Chart.”

6. Use the AAMA Logo

Use the Medical Assistant Recognition Week logo from the AAMA website to promote the occasion. Print the logo on t-shirts, bumper stickers, banners, or buttons. Make flyers and hang them where medical assistants can see them. Crafty seniors can embroider the logo on hats and clothing items.

Medical assistants are vital to the well-being of patients and serve as the right-hand persons to the health care team. Without them, the health care profession would crumble. Also critical to well-being is Assisting Hands Home Care, an elder care agency that promotes the health of seniors.

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