AAMA Podcast Wed, 04 Mar 2026 19:22:18 -0500 https://aamapodcast.buzzsprout.com en-us © 2026 AAMA Podcast yes 3b6467c7-49b9-5052-8ddd-7278613241dd American Association of Medical Assistants episodic false Welcome to the American Association of Medial Assistants' Podcast! In each episode, we will explore the various aspects of medical assisting, from essential skills and qualities that make a great medical assistant to the latest advancements and legal victories for the profession. We will interview subject matter experts, discuss real-life scenarios, and share practical tips to help you navigate the challenges and triumphs of the medical assisting profession.


]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) American Association of Medical Assistants https://storage.buzzsprout.com/8pi5cgxd44iliokdyhw690i6ani7?.jpg AAMA Podcast Phlebotomy in Medical Assisting: Skills, Settings, and Patient Connection Phlebotomy in Medical Assisting: Skills, Settings, and Patient Connection In honor of Phlebotomists Recognition Week, this episode highlights the vital role of phlebotomy in accurate diagnosis, patient safety, and quality care—and the critical role medical assistants play in performing this essential skill.

 We’re joined by Peta-Gaye Hall, CCMA, who brings more than 10 years of experience working across multiple specialties, including internal medicine, oncology, and rheumatology, as well as in laboratory settings. Hall shares real-world insight into how phlebotomy looks across different health care environments, offers practical tips for building confidence and technique, and discusses the importance of patient connection—especially when working with anxious or needle-averse patients.

 In recognition of Phlebotomists Recognition Week, the AAMA CEU self-study course “Phlebotomy: Drawing from the Basics” is available at 30% off throughout the month of February for AAMA members (discount automatically applied). Designed specifically for medical assistants, this course reinforces foundational phlebotomy knowledge, sharpens your technique, and allows participants to earn valuable CEUs while supporting professional growth.

]]> In honor of Phlebotomists Recognition Week, this episode highlights the vital role of phlebotomy in accurate diagnosis, patient safety, and quality care—and the critical role medical assistants play in performing this essential skill.

 We’re joined by Peta-Gaye Hall, CCMA, who brings more than 10 years of experience working across multiple specialties, including internal medicine, oncology, and rheumatology, as well as in laboratory settings. Hall shares real-world insight into how phlebotomy looks across different health care environments, offers practical tips for building confidence and technique, and discusses the importance of patient connection—especially when working with anxious or needle-averse patients.

 In recognition of Phlebotomists Recognition Week, the AAMA CEU self-study course “Phlebotomy: Drawing from the Basics” is available at 30% off throughout the month of February for AAMA members (discount automatically applied). Designed specifically for medical assistants, this course reinforces foundational phlebotomy knowledge, sharpens your technique, and allows participants to earn valuable CEUs while supporting professional growth.

]]> American Association of Medical Assistants Buzzsprout-18659475 Tue, 10 Feb 2026 17:00:00 -0500 1702 full false Identifying Human Trafficking in Health Care  Identifying Human Trafficking in Health Care  In recognition of Human Trafficking Prevention Month, we’re joined by Ken Henry, CEO of Kentagious Kollective and co-founder and vice chair of the Coming Home Foundation, to discuss the critical role education and awareness play in addressing human trafficking. Henry shares insight from his work in survivor empowerment, coalition-building, and advocacy and explores how medical assistants can help identify warning signs and support trauma-informed, survivor-centered care.

Preorder the new course today! The AAMA is releasing a new 10 ACG CEU course, "Identifying and Responding to Human Trafficking: The Medical Assistant’s Role." Designed specifically for medical assistants, the course provides role-appropriate, trauma-informed guidance for recognizing warning signs and responding appropriately in health care settings. In recognition of Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the course is available for preorder now at a discounted rate during January for AAMA members.

]]> In recognition of Human Trafficking Prevention Month, we’re joined by Ken Henry, CEO of Kentagious Kollective and co-founder and vice chair of the Coming Home Foundation, to discuss the critical role education and awareness play in addressing human trafficking. Henry shares insight from his work in survivor empowerment, coalition-building, and advocacy and explores how medical assistants can help identify warning signs and support trauma-informed, survivor-centered care.

Preorder the new course today! The AAMA is releasing a new 10 ACG CEU course, "Identifying and Responding to Human Trafficking: The Medical Assistant’s Role." Designed specifically for medical assistants, the course provides role-appropriate, trauma-informed guidance for recognizing warning signs and responding appropriately in health care settings. In recognition of Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the course is available for preorder now at a discounted rate during January for AAMA members.

]]> American Association of Medical Assistants Buzzsprout-18520308 Fri, 16 Jan 2026 13:00:00 -0500 1700 full false Cold and Flu Season Forecast 2025–2026: A Medical Assistant Guide Cold and Flu Season Forecast 2025–2026: A Medical Assistant Guide In this episode of the AAMA Podcast, Felicia Eldridge, AAMA social media and marketing manager, breaks down the 2025–2026 cold and flu season forecast and what it means for medical assistants on the front lines. 

You’ll hear an overview of public health predictions, key updates on the seasonal flu vaccine, and the symptom patterns medical assistants are likely to encounter as influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 continue to circulate. This episode also highlights the critical role medical assistants play in patient screening, vaccination support, infection control, and clinic workflow during peak respiratory season. 

Whether you’re preparing for increased patient volume or looking for ways to protect your own health and well-being, this episode offers practical insight to help you stay informed, prepared, and confident throughout the season.

]]> In this episode of the AAMA Podcast, Felicia Eldridge, AAMA social media and marketing manager, breaks down the 2025–2026 cold and flu season forecast and what it means for medical assistants on the front lines. 

You’ll hear an overview of public health predictions, key updates on the seasonal flu vaccine, and the symptom patterns medical assistants are likely to encounter as influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 continue to circulate. This episode also highlights the critical role medical assistants play in patient screening, vaccination support, infection control, and clinic workflow during peak respiratory season. 

Whether you’re preparing for increased patient volume or looking for ways to protect your own health and well-being, this episode offers practical insight to help you stay informed, prepared, and confident throughout the season.

]]> American Association of Medical Assistants Buzzsprout-18437644 Wed, 31 Dec 2025 14:00:00 -0500 749 full false Colorectal Cancer Care: A Physician, A Survivor, and the Medical Assistants Who Bring It All Together Colorectal Cancer Care: A Physician, A Survivor, and the Medical Assistants Who Bring It All Together In this month's episode, we explore the deeply human side of cancer care - from discovery to treatment and every raw moment in between. 

Dr. Joeseph Perez, a family medicine physician in Pen Argly, PA and 2025-2026 AAMA Board of Trustees Physician Liaison, shares his firsthand experiences working with his medical assisting team and the roles they play in supporting their patients through some of the most challenging moments of their lives. 

We're also honored to hear the courageous story of colorectal cancer survivor Esther Hyun, who opens up about navigating the complexities of the health care system, advocating for her own diagnosis and treatment, and the medical assistants, nurses, and physicians who have shaped her journey. 

Together, their stories and perspectives speak to the power of teamwork, compassion, and patient advocacy - and what it truly means to deliver whole-person care. 


]]> In this month's episode, we explore the deeply human side of cancer care - from discovery to treatment and every raw moment in between. 

Dr. Joeseph Perez, a family medicine physician in Pen Argly, PA and 2025-2026 AAMA Board of Trustees Physician Liaison, shares his firsthand experiences working with his medical assisting team and the roles they play in supporting their patients through some of the most challenging moments of their lives. 

We're also honored to hear the courageous story of colorectal cancer survivor Esther Hyun, who opens up about navigating the complexities of the health care system, advocating for her own diagnosis and treatment, and the medical assistants, nurses, and physicians who have shaped her journey. 

Together, their stories and perspectives speak to the power of teamwork, compassion, and patient advocacy - and what it truly means to deliver whole-person care. 


]]> American Association of Medical Assistants Buzzsprout-18251581 Wed, 26 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0500 2232 full false Insights and discussions for the future of the CMA (AAMA) Credential Insights and discussions for the future of the CMA (AAMA) Credential In this episode, we’re joined by Donald Balasa, CEO and Legal Counsel of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), and Katie Gottwaldt, Director of Certification, for a deep dive into the evolving landscape of medical assisting.

Together, they discuss critical workforce trends, the shrinking pipeline of accredited training programs, and how the AAMA is innovating to meet today’s healthcare demands. Learn how the CMA (AAMA) credential stands apart from other certifications—and get an inside look at the proposed CMA (AAMA), I.V. micro-credential, a powerful step toward expanding clinical competencies and elevating the role of medical assistants nationwide.

Links:

AAMA Website 

Information on the CMA (AAMA) Credential

"The Present and Future of the Medical Assisting Profession" - from the July/August issue of Medical Assisting Today

]]> In this episode, we’re joined by Donald Balasa, CEO and Legal Counsel of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), and Katie Gottwaldt, Director of Certification, for a deep dive into the evolving landscape of medical assisting.

Together, they discuss critical workforce trends, the shrinking pipeline of accredited training programs, and how the AAMA is innovating to meet today’s healthcare demands. Learn how the CMA (AAMA) credential stands apart from other certifications—and get an inside look at the proposed CMA (AAMA), I.V. micro-credential, a powerful step toward expanding clinical competencies and elevating the role of medical assistants nationwide.

Links:

AAMA Website 

Information on the CMA (AAMA) Credential

"The Present and Future of the Medical Assisting Profession" - from the July/August issue of Medical Assisting Today

]]> American Association of Medical Assistants Buzzsprout-17596052 Wed, 06 Aug 2025 14:00:00 -0400 945 full false Colorectal Cancer Screening Initiatives, Collaboratives, and Support Groups Colorectal Cancer Screening Initiatives, Collaboratives, and Support Groups Celebrating the conclusion of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March, we sit down with John Kennedy, MD, president of the AMGA Foundation and chief medical officer of AMGA, and Trevor Maxwell, founder and CEO of Man Up to Cancer. Dr. Kennedy discusses his work with the NCCRT collaborative and its goal to increase colorectal cancer screening rates, and Maxwell shares his story as both a colorectal cancer patient and founder of a nationwide support group for men undergoing cancer treatment of all types.

American Medical Group Association (AMGA):
With more than 400 member health systems and medical groups, AMGA serves as a trusted network and resource for best practices and solutions to create thriving physician enterprises.

The AMGA Foundation brings together medical groups, integrated health systems, providers, industry partners, and patients to tackle the nation’s most pressing public health challenges.

Links:
Website
AMGA Foundation
CRC Screening Best Practices Learning Collaborative

Man Up to Cancer:
Man Up to Cancer is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping men avoid isolation during their cancer journeys. They offer peer-to-peer support, an annual retreat, a chemo backpack program, and local chapters—all geared toward improving the quality of life of their members and changing the way men go through cancer. 

Links:
Website
Man Up to Cancer Podcast
Chemo Backpack Program

National Colorectal Cancer Round Table:
An AAMA partner, the American Cancer Society National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (ACS NCCRT), established by the ACS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 1997, is a national coalition of invited individuals along with public, private, and voluntary organizations.

Links:
Website
2025 National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Webcast

]]> Celebrating the conclusion of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March, we sit down with John Kennedy, MD, president of the AMGA Foundation and chief medical officer of AMGA, and Trevor Maxwell, founder and CEO of Man Up to Cancer. Dr. Kennedy discusses his work with the NCCRT collaborative and its goal to increase colorectal cancer screening rates, and Maxwell shares his story as both a colorectal cancer patient and founder of a nationwide support group for men undergoing cancer treatment of all types.

American Medical Group Association (AMGA):
With more than 400 member health systems and medical groups, AMGA serves as a trusted network and resource for best practices and solutions to create thriving physician enterprises.

The AMGA Foundation brings together medical groups, integrated health systems, providers, industry partners, and patients to tackle the nation’s most pressing public health challenges.

Links:
Website
AMGA Foundation
CRC Screening Best Practices Learning Collaborative

Man Up to Cancer:
Man Up to Cancer is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping men avoid isolation during their cancer journeys. They offer peer-to-peer support, an annual retreat, a chemo backpack program, and local chapters—all geared toward improving the quality of life of their members and changing the way men go through cancer. 

Links:
Website
Man Up to Cancer Podcast
Chemo Backpack Program

National Colorectal Cancer Round Table:
An AAMA partner, the American Cancer Society National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (ACS NCCRT), established by the ACS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 1997, is a national coalition of invited individuals along with public, private, and voluntary organizations.

Links:
Website
2025 National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Webcast

]]> Buzzsprout-16898072 Fri, 04 Apr 2025 10:00:00 -0400 2091 full false Résumé Tips and Interview Insights with Paula Purdy, CMA (AAMA) Résumé Tips and Interview Insights with Paula Purdy, CMA (AAMA) In this episode, AAMA social media and marketing manager Felicia Eldridge sits down with Paula Purdy, CMA (AAMA), 2015–2016 AAMA president, current president-elect of the Oregon Society of Medical Assistants, and director of clinic services at MyTeam Medical Staffing. 

With years of leadership experience, Paula shares her expert advice for medical assistants on crafting the perfect résumé and acing interviews. From highlighting clinical skills and certifications to preparing for a successful interview, Paula reveals essential tips for standing out in the competitive health care field. Tune in for valuable insights, whether you're starting your professional journey or looking to make a career change in medical assisting.

]]> In this episode, AAMA social media and marketing manager Felicia Eldridge sits down with Paula Purdy, CMA (AAMA), 2015–2016 AAMA president, current president-elect of the Oregon Society of Medical Assistants, and director of clinic services at MyTeam Medical Staffing. 

With years of leadership experience, Paula shares her expert advice for medical assistants on crafting the perfect résumé and acing interviews. From highlighting clinical skills and certifications to preparing for a successful interview, Paula reveals essential tips for standing out in the competitive health care field. Tune in for valuable insights, whether you're starting your professional journey or looking to make a career change in medical assisting.

]]> American Association of Medical Assistants Buzzsprout-16359570 Tue, 31 Dec 2024 15:00:00 -0500 4594 full false A Legal Look at Medical Assisting with AAMA CEO and Legal Counsel Don Balasa, JD, MBA A Legal Look at Medical Assisting with AAMA CEO and Legal Counsel Don Balasa, JD, MBA In our inaugural episode of the AAMA Podcast, we speak with Don Balasa, JD, MBA, CEO and Legal Counsel for the American Association of Medical Assistants about the current legal challenges and trends as they pertain to the medical assisting profession.

Links:
AAMA Website
State Scope of Practice Laws
Public Affairs Articles, written by Don Balasa, JD, MBA

AAMA Advisory Service Program:
The Advisory ​Service was created by legal experts, practice managers, registered nurses, medical staffing experts, and CMAs (AAMA)® who have worked in both administrative and clinical domains of health care for more than 10 years. Each member of the program has extensive knowledge of the medical assisting field and has made impactful contributions to the American Association of Medical Assistants® (AAMA). Use these service program profiles of their expertise to determine who would be the best fit in your journey to unlocking medical assistants’ potential.

Questions and requests for further information may be directed to the staff liaison to the Advisory Service via AdvisoryTaskForce@aama-ntl.org.

]]> In our inaugural episode of the AAMA Podcast, we speak with Don Balasa, JD, MBA, CEO and Legal Counsel for the American Association of Medical Assistants about the current legal challenges and trends as they pertain to the medical assisting profession.

Links:
AAMA Website
State Scope of Practice Laws
Public Affairs Articles, written by Don Balasa, JD, MBA

AAMA Advisory Service Program:
The Advisory ​Service was created by legal experts, practice managers, registered nurses, medical staffing experts, and CMAs (AAMA)® who have worked in both administrative and clinical domains of health care for more than 10 years. Each member of the program has extensive knowledge of the medical assisting field and has made impactful contributions to the American Association of Medical Assistants® (AAMA). Use these service program profiles of their expertise to determine who would be the best fit in your journey to unlocking medical assistants’ potential.

Questions and requests for further information may be directed to the staff liaison to the Advisory Service via AdvisoryTaskForce@aama-ntl.org.

]]> Gina Mokijewski Buzzsprout-15588345 Sat, 21 Sep 2024 12:00:00 -0400 1174 full false