GAP Year Medical Assistant-Internship

About the role

Join MASS LUNG & ALLERGY (MLA) as a Gap Year Medical Assistant and gain invaluable experience in a physician office setting focusing on pulmonology. Our physicians and leadership hold faculty appointments at UMass Memorial and are committed to educating future physicians. This role emphasizes quality of care and customer service, requiring collaboration with all clinical services staff to support direct patient services with flexibility and a "can-do" attitude. Patient services are the key priority, fostering an environment that promotes patient comfort and trust while exemplifying the organization's core values and mission.

Responsibilities

• Prepare for patient appointments by reviewing and updating patient records, including recent test results, lab results, compliance reports, and correspondence.
• Provide initial medical screening: greet patients, confirm identity, record vital signs (weight, height, temperature, blood pressure, respirations, heart rate), verify allergies, reconcile medication lists, and document relevant medical history (e.g., flu/pneumonia vaccinations, Epworth Scoring).
• Prepare patients for visits and alert physicians when ready; update patients on appointment status if the physician is unavailable and assist with rescheduling or follow-ups.
• Instruct patients on clinic policies, rights, and responsibilities.
• Assist physicians or nurses during patient examinations, adhering to universal precautions and safety protocols; facilitate communication between providers and patients.
• Perform clinical duties post-evaluation, such as teaching patients to use inhalers, nebulizers, and durable medical equipment; conducting oximetry trending, alpha 1 testing, dispensing samples, administering immunizations, ordering labs/diagnostic imaging, administering nebulizer treatments, transporting patients, triaging sick calls/walk-ins, performing spirometry/Feno, and administering PPD.
• Maintain exam rooms by cleaning between patient exams and ensuring compliance with infection control standards; stock necessary supplies.
• Complete clinical administrative work as assigned, including clerical duties like answering phones, distributing fax logs, registering/scheduling new patients, and checking in patients.
• Attend staff and medical meetings as required.

Requirements

• Excellent communication skills for taking medical histories, understanding instructions, and documenting patient information accurately.
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients and staff, demonstrating diplomacy and tact.
• Beginner to intermediate computing and phone skills.
• Willingness to work past scheduled shifts to ensure patient care and safety; flexibility in job duties and assignments, including travel to necessary office locations.
• Ability to multi-task and work effectively in a high-stress, fast-moving environment.
• Cultural sensitivity and effectiveness working with ethnically diverse populations.
• Working knowledge of "Universal Precautions" and professionalism in all interactions.
• Thorough understanding of confidentiality and HIPAA standards.
• Valid Massachusetts Driver’s License, insurance, and ability to travel as required.

Qualifications

• College graduates (graduating May 2026 or earlier) required.
• Familiarity with the community/service area.
• Previous experience in a medical office setting is highly desirable.
• Electronic medical records experience preferred.