National Medical Assistants Day
National Medical Assistants Recognition Day would be observed on October 16, 2024.
National Medical Assistants Recognition Day is celebrated on the Wednesday of the third week of October, during Medical Assistants Recognition Week (MAR week).
Although Medical Assistants often work behind the scenes, their support with clinical and administrative tasks is essential for the smooth operation of healthcare services.
Background
The profession of Medical Assistant was not initially accredited, which led the Kansas Medical Assistants in 1955 to establish a national organization to formalize it.
Thus, the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) was founded with members from 15 states. The AAMA's mission was to standardize, test, and regulate the profession. In 1963, the organization introduced exams, which significantly transformed the field and set the foundation for the profession as we know it today.
Maxine Williams was the co-founder and president of the AAMA and a strong advocate for the importance of Medical Assistants in the medical field. Williams contributed $200 to help students go to school to become Medical Assistants, and this money eventually became the Maxime Williams Scholarship Fund.
Medical Assistants Day is a day to honor and recognize the work within this profession. It is also a day to inform people about what the role of a Medical Assistant entails and to support people who may be interested in entering the medical field.
Medical Assistants Week was founded in the 1980s by the AAMA, to raise awareness about this profession.
What to do on Medical Assistant's Day
National Medical Assistants Recognition Day is an opportunity to highlight and appreciate the invaluable contributions of Medical Assistants, who often work behind the scenes and may not always receive the recognition they deserve. These dedicated professionals play a critical role in ensuring the smooth operation of healthcare practices by handling a range of clinical and administrative tasks.
To honor their efforts, consider speaking with your doctor about the Medical Assistants in their clinic. Acknowledge and praise the exceptional work they do, as this not only boosts their morale but also underscores their importance within the healthcare team. Additionally, taking the time to thank Medical Assistants directly can have a significant impact. A simple expression of gratitude, whether in person or through a note, can make them feel valued and appreciated for their hard work and dedication.
Showing recognition and thanks is a meaningful way to let Medical Assistants know that their efforts are noticed and valued, fostering a positive environment and encouraging their continued commitment to providing excellent care.
Five facts about Medical Assistants
- The vast majority of Medical Assistants are female. In America, there are approximately nine female assistants to every one male assistant.
- 32% of Medical Assistants stay in the job for 1–2 years, while 6% of Medical Assistants remain in the job for 11+ years.
- There are over 650,000 Medical Assistants in America.
- Medical Assistants perform many duties in their day including paperwork, collecting medical data from the patient, greeting the patient as they arrive, scheduling appointments, and sometimes even administering medication and injections.
- It is a growing profession with some statistics showing that there may be approximately 20% more Medical Assistants by 2030.
