Professionalism As A Certified Medical Assistant

Medical assistants are viewed as representatives of the physician and the health care organization. Therefore, they must consistently demonstrate professional behavior in all of their interactions with others.

1) Medical assistants should strive for accuracy in everything they do. When a medical assistant performs accurately, she indicates that she adheres to the standard of care and takes care in all that she does to avoid errors. Through her dedication to quality and efficiency, she will reap many rewards, including fewer errors, less need for damage control, and greater job satisfaction.

2) Courteous behavior that is polite, considerate, and helpful should be standard practice for medical assistants as they interact with patients and coworkers.

3) Being dependable means being reliable and trustworthy. These qualities are important to everyone with whom medical assistants interact.

4) Medical assistants who are adaptable and flexible will quickly earn the appreciation of their employers and coworkers.

5) Medical assistants are members of a profession in which things are continually changing. They must be willing to commit themselves to lifelong learning in order to keep up. Some ways they can do this is by attending workshops and college classes and reading professional journals.

6) A tactful person is one who demonstrates the ability to respond to others with sensitivity and courtesy to avoid causing offense. Because the medical assistant cannot take back words once they leave her mouth, it is always better to be discreet and say less, rather than more, when she is
unsure of what to say.

7) Accountability refers to a willingness to be responsible for and answer for one's actions, own up to any errors, and work positively to take any corrective measures if needed.

8)  In most work environments, and especially in health care, attitude is everything. Attitudes can be changed, but the motivation for change must come from within the individual.

9) Appearance is a critical part of the professional role. Generally, the more conservative a person's appearance is on the job, the better. Paying careful attention to appearance includes taking care with hygiene, wearing minimal makeup and jewelry, avoiding displaying tattoos, and keeping hair out of the face and eyes. Clothing should be neat and clean and conform to standards designated by the employer. Because medical assistants commonly spend long days on their feet, they should carefully select footwear and hosiery.

10) Patients look to health care providers for help, information, and guidance. Furthermore, they observe and take note of such things as lifestyle, attitude, behaviors, and habits.healthy and unhealthy. Medical assistants must be aware that they are role models and strive to be positive ones.

11) Potential barriers to professionalism include such bad habits as tobacco use, gum chewing, and vulgar language. Other barriers include being reactive rather than proactive when responding to others, bringing personal problems to work, and participating in gossip.

12) All employers agree that one of the qualities they most desire in their employees is the ability to be a team player. Professional medical assistants should recognize that the welfare of the team sometimes must take priority over personal issues, and everyone's contribution and cooperation
is essential. Medical assistants who develop the ability to be true team players will be highly appreciated and valued by everyone.