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.

 

"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

“I feel as [if] I have found my niche in life and work and am where I am meant to be."

Fayth McKinney, CMA (AAMA)
Medical assistant in a women’s health clinic

 

September/October 2024

Lifelong Learning: ​CMA (AAMA) Relishes a Career that Keeps Teaching More Skills

In the Spotlight: Fayth McKinney, CMA (AAMA), entered the medical assisting field with 20 years of experience in health care. However, when she landed a permanent position in a women’s care clinic, she realized she still had a lot to learn about gynecological and obstetrical needs. Nearly a decade later, she performs numerous tasks, including assisting the physician with procedures and documenting health information. McKinney believes that the care they provide at the clinic helps improve women’s lives, which is why she is exactly where she is meant to be. 
July/August 2024

A Winding Road: CMA (AAMA) Finds Her Way to Medical Assisting through Various Twists and Turns

In the spotlight: It took Stephanie Wrenn, CMA (AAMA), over a decade to find her way to the medical assisting field. After years of school, work, and raising children, she left her husband and moved in with her parents. When her uncle was diagnosed with stage IV cancer and required hospice, Wrenn stepped up and helped care for him, sparking her passion for medicine. Today, she works in a busy podiatrist's practice. While Wrenn's path to the medical field was complex, she believes medical assisting is her calling.

"I know working in the medical field is what I am supposed to be doing. This is not just a job to get a paycheck. This is something that I am passionate about."

Stephanie Wrenn, CMA (AAMA)
Medical assistant in a podiatrist's office

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. 

SIGN UP FOR AAMA E-UPDATE

Subscribe to our e-newsletter, AAMA e-Update, to stay up to date on the latest information!