Medical Assistants Are Inspirations!
November/December 2025
Flash Pass: Medical Assisting Educator Blazes Accelerated Track for Students
In the spotlight: Jessica Balladares worked in several different specialties as a medical assistant before returning to her alma mater, Santa Fe Community College, to become an adjunct educator. Since then, she has been promoted to a full-time educator and program director.
As program director, she has helped launch an accelerated program that prepares medical assistants for the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam in just 18 weeks, accommodating students with time constraints and a need to enter the field. She is constantly working to improve the program and meet the demands of employers.
“It feels full circle to help new medical assistants flourish in their careers. … It also makes me excited to keep sending qualified medical assistants out into our community.”
Jessica Balladares, RMA(AMT)Academic program director at Santa Fe Community College
“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
September/October 2025
Career Ladder: CMA (AAMA) Reaches New Heights as a Medical Assistant Coordinator
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
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