Medical Assistant

Doctors working in private practice often choose to employ a medical assistant as well as or instead of a nurse. The medical assistant takes on all secretarial duties, including taking patient histories, keeping records, dealing with paperwork and insurance forms. In addition, many medical assistants have training which qualifies them to give certain medications, prepare patients for procedures, give immunisations and perform tests such as throat cultures and EKGs. They ensure that the doctors appointment book is kept up to date, maintain supplies and equipment, and carry out all the jobs needed to keep the practice running smoothly. They work in private practices and clinics, or as aids to department heads in large hospitals.