GAP Year Medical Assistant Internship

About the role

Gain invaluable experience in a physician office setting focused on pulmonology at MASS LUNG & ALLERGY (MLA). Our physicians and leadership hold faculty appointments at UMass Memorial and are excited to help educate future physicians.

Responsibilities

• Prepares for patient appointments by reviewing and updating patient records prior to appointment.
• Initial medical screening: Greets patients and directs to appropriate exam room; confirms the patient's identity by asking name and date of birth; checks weight, height, temp, blood pressure, respirations, and heart rate; verifies allergies, and reconciles medication lists.
• Prepares patient for visit and alerts physician when patient is ready to be seen.
• Keeps patients updated on the status of their appointment and assists in rescheduling or scheduling follow-up.
• Instructs patients on general clinic policies, patients' rights and responsibilities as needed.
• Aids physician or nurse during examination of patient and according to generally accepted medical standards; practices universal precautions with respect to established safety protocols; facilitates communication between the provider(s) and patient as needed.
• Teaches patients the proper use of inhalers, nebs, and other durable medical equipment, oximetry trending, alpha 1 testing, dispensing samples, administering immunizations, ordering labs and diagnostic imaging, administering nebulizer treatments, transporting patients, triaging sick calls and walk-in patients, performing office spirometry and Feno if available, and administering PPD.
• Maintains exam rooms according to protocols: cleans rooms between patient exams to ensure patients' comfort and compliance with infection control standards; ensures all necessary supplies are stocked.
• Completes clinical administrative work as assigned by the clinical manager.
• Performs general clerical duties in support of patient services according to the needs of the clinic and as directed by Clinical Supervisor, Office Manager, and provider(s).
• Attends staff and medical meetings, as required.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication skills at the level necessary for taking patients' medical histories, understanding provider and supervisors' instructions, and for accurately documenting patients' medical information.
• Ability to effectively communicate with patient population and staff while demonstrating a high degree of diplomacy and tact.
• Beginner to intermediate computing and phone skills.
• Willingness to work past the end of shift to ensure patient care and safety; demonstrates flexibility in regard to job duties and assignments with a willingness to travel to necessary office locations.
• Culturally sensitive and demonstrated ability and effectiveness working with ethnically diverse populations.
• Working knowledge of "Universal Precautions," always demonstrates professionalism.
• Possess a thorough understanding of the importance of confidentiality and non-disclosure according to the general standards set forth by HIPAA.
• Valid Massachusetts Driver's License, insurance, and ability to travel as required to perform duties.