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CMA (AAMA) Profiles
Julie Rieder, CMA (AAMA), began her health care career as a licensed practical nurse student, but due to unforeseen circumstances she stepped out of the medical realm and into secretarial work for five years. Then she heard about medical assisting. "I really missed working in a clinical setting, and medical assisting seemed like a great way to also utilize the administrative skills I had developed." Rieder entered the profession in full force. She graduated from Bryant & Stratton College in Milwaukee, Wis., in 1990, received her CMA (AAMA) credential shortly thereafter, and began a career with Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin. "My first job with Froedtert was working on AIDS research," she says. "At that time, not much was known about AIDS, so it was a fascinating experience," she adds. Rieder drew blood and collected data from study participants. She then went on to work with the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study, which involved clinical trials designed to test the effects of postmenopausal hormone therapy, diet modification, and calcium and vitamin D supplements on heart disease, fractures, and breast and colorectal cancer. Rieder roomed participants, checked their vital signs, performed blood draws, and collected data. She was also the coordinator for a memory analysis aspect of the WHI study, which required specialized training in administration of tests and data collection. "I'm proud that I took part in such a groundbreaking study for women," she says. For the past 10 years, Rieder has worked at a satellite primary care clinic affiliated with Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin, where she works with 19 physicians, two physician assistants, one nurse practitioner, and 14 medical assistants, six of whom are CMAs (AAMA). "I love being part of this dynamic team and the clinic's academic affiliation with the hospital," she says. "When something new develops, we learn about it right away. For instance, we do blood pressures on the right arm because research done here has proven that the right arm is more stable," she adds. Rieder's days are filled performing clinical tasks, including injections, EKGs, hearing and vision testing, peak flows, and assisting with minor surgeries. She also oversees the quality assurance of equipment and in-house testing and is an extern mentor for medical assisting students. She even finds time for her greatest passion: spreading the word about medical assisting. When Rieder learned that once a month, third-year medical students tour the clinic to learn how the physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioner work together, she suggested that medical assistants get into the mix. "I asked the medical director if I could talk with the students during their visit and he agreed," she says. So for the past six years, Rieder's been talking up the profession to future physicians. "I tell them about our skills, how we're different from RNs, and how valuable we are due to our varied background," she says. "I even encourage them to hire CMAs (AAMA) when [the medical students] become practicing doctors!" Rieder plans to find more ways to promote the profession in the workplace and through the AAMA. As a past president of the Waukesha County of Medical Assistants, she hopes to become involved at the state level and beyond. "My career has given me a wealth of gratifying experiences," she says. "It's time to pay it forward."
At the young age of 37, Jacqueline Easley-Crayton, CMA (AAMA), was forced to retire from medical assisting. "I was a victim of a hit-and-run accident that eventually left me disabled," she says. "All my life I wanted to work in the medical field and accepting that I had to give that up was devastating." Easley-Crayton had been working as a medical assistant for three years in various satellite offices affiliated with the Lakewood Hospital in Cleveland when her accident occurred in 1998. Although she immediately began experiencing muscle problems following the accident, Easley-Crayton continued to work as a medical assistant until 2004. "I was eventually diagnosed with degenerative joint disease in my spine, sacral area, knee, and feet; poor gait; muscle spasms; fatigue; and chronic pain," she says. "This left me with days that I could not stand to walk or lay in bed to sleep because the pain was unbearable." Ultimately her worsened condition and liability concerns over personal and patient safety issues meant she had to give up her job. In May 2005 Easley-Crayton received her bachelor's degree in health science and was awarded a certificate in the department of philosophy at Cleveland State University. She also worked as a certified teacher for the Cleveland Scholarship and Tutoring Program from October 2006 until July 2009. After coping with the fact that she could no longer practice medical assisting, Easley-Crayton decided to dedicate her skills to advocating for children and parents through the Head Start program in Cleveland. "In addition to my daughter, I have custody of my three nephews, two of whom were enrolled in the Head Start program," notes Easley-Crayton. Learning that the organization provides comprehensive education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and their families, Easley-Crayton couldn't wait to volunteer. Although Easley-Crayton cannot sit, stand, or walk for long periods of time without pain due to multiple arthralgias, joint abnormalities, muscle weakness, degenerative joint disease, severe asthma, chronic pain, and limited mobility, volunteering allows her to give at her own pace. As a member of the organization's Ohio Health Advisory Board, she attends Head Start workshops and health fairs to help educate parents and teachers about health-related topics, such as nutrition and medical conditions, including most recently H1N1. "By working with the nutrition aide at the school, it's really rewarding to help parents understand important information for keeping their children healthy and safe," she notes. Additionally, Easley-Crayton sits on the Ohio Head Start Associate Social Service Advisory Board, where she works with the Head Start disability specialist to conduct workshops about child development and social and emotional development. "I worked in pediatrics for a while and am also an early childhood consultant, so my background helps with communicating sometimes sensitive information to parents." Besides speaking at events, Easley-Crayton performs other duties. She ensures parent volunteers participate throughout the program; encourages staff and parents to attend and participate in activities; monitors recruitment efforts, enrollments, and attendance; and assists with program design and management. "The Head Start program allows me the opportunity to share my passion for health care, to help others, and give back to the community," she says. Easley-Crayton's efforts extend beyond Head Start. She also volunteers for other organizations, including Catholic Charities Community Services, where she served on the board of directors, and her nephew's school. No matter where she lends a hand, she says her CMA (AAMA) credential and AAMA involvement come in handy. "Regardless if I'm disabled, I keep my credential current because the knowledge I maintain can always help others, like the people I educate at Head Start," she notes. Plus, she says staying involved in her profession makes her a valuable volunteer to organizations. "I'll always continue to seek out new volunteer opportunities," says Easley-Crayton. "After all, there are many organizations that can use my medical assisting training and compassion to help meet their mission."
"There are many women who don't have access to preventive health care and who unfortunately are diagnosed with serious conditions when it's too late," says Sheri Greimes, CMA (AAMA), PBT, RMA, RPT, Washington State Society of Medical Assistants trustee and Snohomish County Chapter president. Greimes decided to use her medical assisting skills to make a change. After working as a medical assistant and medical assisting educator for 12 years, Greimes accepted a job as a data entry specialist at the Washington Breast and Cervical Health Program, an entity of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP). "I wanted to directly help women," she says. "Plus, I wanted to learn more about the administrative side of health care—the finance, business, and patient case management aspects." Available in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, five U.S. territories, and 12 American Indian and Alaska Native tribes or tribal organizations, NBCCEDP provides low-income, uninsured, and underserved women access to timely breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services. Services include clinical breast examinations, mammograms, Pap tests, pelvic examinations, diagnostic testing when results are abnormal, and referrals to treatment. "Helping women get the care they need is an amazing feeling," says Greimes. "Many of them have never had a mammogram or access to this kind of care and they are so grateful to learn about the program." Greimes' workday is filled with obtaining and entering eligibility information from patients; scheduling procedures at participating clinics; and processing claims for payment of procedures. Once a patient is diagnosed with cancer, their coverage is transferred to Medicaid. Greimes ensures that the necessary paperwork is in order for the transfer. Talking with patients is Greimes' favorite part of her job. "Sadly, we see a high rate of positive cancer diagnoses. Many women usually don't go to the doctor until they have severe pain or conditions because they don't have the money to pay for the services," Greimes says. "It's wonderful to be able to educate patients about their preventive care options and it's encouraging to get a thank-you note from a patient after everything is said and done." Greimes says her medical assisting background comes in handy every day with patient education, coding and billing procedures, and understanding medical terminology. "My coworkers and supervisor often come to me and say, 'What did this doctor write?'" she says. "My skills definitely help with interpreting medical charts." Greimes plans to keep making a difference. She is currently working toward a bachelor's degree in health care administration while working full time for NBCCEDP and teaching a phlebotomy class at a local community college part time. Griemes also intends to stay involved in the AAMA and keep her CMA (AAMA) credential current. "I believe in the professionalism that the association stands for and I've made lifelong friends and connections for networking," she says. "Plus, I worked hard for my credential. No matter where I end up I'll always use it in some way." If that's not enough, Greimes hopes to become fluent in Spanish. "With all my experience combined, I see avenues in clinical management, patient advocacy, or consulting," she says. "There's a world of opportunities out there!"
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