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.

 

March/April 2026

You Are What You Teach: CMA (AAMA) with Clinical Background Thrives in Education

In the spotlight: Anna Sanchez-Buckley, CMA (AAMA), fell in love with teaching while running nutrition classes for patients with various health conditions. However, formal teaching was not part of her career plan until she was offered an adjunct educator role at her alma mater. Despite facing imposter syndrome, she took the role and taught at night while working full-time. She became the program chair five years later. Today, she thrives in her role by bonding with students and pursuing continuing education.

"Education has always been my jam. I love to share information with people."

Anna Sanchez-Buckley, CMA (AAMA)
Program chair of the medical assisting program at Ivy Tech Community College

"It’s the little things—laugh­ing with a patient, saying something nice that cheers them up, or making them feel comfortable and understood and that their concerns will be addressed."

Emily Martinez, CMA (AAMA)
Medical assistant in an urgent care clinic

In the spotlight: When Emily Martinez, CMA (AAMA), was 8 years old, she witnessed her aunt endure cancer, which inspired her to pursue health care. After overcoming her own health problems, she graduated from a medical assisting program and works in an urgent care clinic in Chicago. She believes that this role is preparing her to eventually work in a specialty practice such as oncology, where she can continue honoring her aunt and her love of interacting with patients.

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

 

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.


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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