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What are the biggest pros and cons about being a medical administrative assistant?
I want to know what the biggest likes and dislikes of being a medical admin are because nothing really comes to mind when I think of it.
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Mustafa’s Answer
Medical administration and administrative assistants are vital components of contemporary medical practice and healthcare systems. They hold a key role in managing and delivering healthcare services, as doctors often prefer to focus on their clinical duties rather than administrative tasks. Modern healthcare delivery is intricate, and physicians usually lack training in its administrative aspects. Moreover, most individuals who pursue medicine aim to provide direct patient care, which brings them immense joy and satisfaction.
As healthcare becomes increasingly complex, the demand for administrators also escalifies. This is true even in private practices, where administrative managers are highly sought after, allowing physicians to concentrate on patient care. However, the field of administration comes with its challenges, including intense competition. Many are drawn to this aspect of healthcare as it provides insider access without the lifestyle commitments of a doctor. Therefore, having a business degree with a healthcare specialization can provide a competitive edge.
Unfortunately, the healthcare administration field is not immune to the nepotism and cronyism seen in the broader business world. However, it also offers numerous opportunities, enabling individuals to move between facilities or clinics. This sector of the healthcare system is expanding and will continue to do so as people live longer, experience more medical issues, and as new treatments transform once-fatal conditions into chronic ones.
As healthcare becomes increasingly complex, the demand for administrators also escalifies. This is true even in private practices, where administrative managers are highly sought after, allowing physicians to concentrate on patient care. However, the field of administration comes with its challenges, including intense competition. Many are drawn to this aspect of healthcare as it provides insider access without the lifestyle commitments of a doctor. Therefore, having a business degree with a healthcare specialization can provide a competitive edge.
Unfortunately, the healthcare administration field is not immune to the nepotism and cronyism seen in the broader business world. However, it also offers numerous opportunities, enabling individuals to move between facilities or clinics. This sector of the healthcare system is expanding and will continue to do so as people live longer, experience more medical issues, and as new treatments transform once-fatal conditions into chronic ones.
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Emily’s Answer
Hi Aidan!
When I previously worked as an administrative assistant there was more good than bad that came with the job. Like most jobs -- work culture is a big deal, if you would like to pursue being an administrative assistant and have a few places in mind, I would suggest asking a few questions at the interview such as, "What is work culture like?", "What do you do to show appreciation for your colleagues or staff", and "How are staff treated when they have a family/medical emergency". I find many of these things are indicative of a good or bad workplace environment.
That being said, pros are:
1. If you're interested in Healthcare you get to see a lot of very interesting things depending on where you work (such as the ER)
2. If you like people and enjoy learning different ways to communicate, it's a great place to make a lot of people smile and really brighten their day!
3. You learn a lot about Healthcare, and can make a lot of friends very quickly.
4. The work itself is not incredibly difficult, so it makes learning the job less stressful than many other places.
5. There may be a lot of downtime, so if you're in school you may be able to study in between patients.
.....There are more pros, but these are just a few I can think of!
Cons:
1. You are the face of the clinic/hospital and unfortunately can get the brunt of the initial interaction with people who are in a lot of pain.
2. The job can occasionally get boring, especially when there's too much downtime.
3. You may not feel as close to your colleagues as everyone else because you may be seated away from the majority of staff to care for exiting and incoming patients.
4. Although the work itself is easy to learn, programs are constantly changing and being updated, and that can be incredibly stressful.
......I'm sure there are other cons or things to consider like most jobs, but it mostly is centered around patient care, and when we are having a difficult day, we have to put aside our feelings, making them a priority and that can be incredibly draining and stressful.
I hope this helped! I had the pleasure of working as an ER administrative assistant for roughly 2 years. Please let me know if you have any questions!
When I previously worked as an administrative assistant there was more good than bad that came with the job. Like most jobs -- work culture is a big deal, if you would like to pursue being an administrative assistant and have a few places in mind, I would suggest asking a few questions at the interview such as, "What is work culture like?", "What do you do to show appreciation for your colleagues or staff", and "How are staff treated when they have a family/medical emergency". I find many of these things are indicative of a good or bad workplace environment.
That being said, pros are:
1. If you're interested in Healthcare you get to see a lot of very interesting things depending on where you work (such as the ER)
2. If you like people and enjoy learning different ways to communicate, it's a great place to make a lot of people smile and really brighten their day!
3. You learn a lot about Healthcare, and can make a lot of friends very quickly.
4. The work itself is not incredibly difficult, so it makes learning the job less stressful than many other places.
5. There may be a lot of downtime, so if you're in school you may be able to study in between patients.
.....There are more pros, but these are just a few I can think of!
Cons:
1. You are the face of the clinic/hospital and unfortunately can get the brunt of the initial interaction with people who are in a lot of pain.
2. The job can occasionally get boring, especially when there's too much downtime.
3. You may not feel as close to your colleagues as everyone else because you may be seated away from the majority of staff to care for exiting and incoming patients.
4. Although the work itself is easy to learn, programs are constantly changing and being updated, and that can be incredibly stressful.
......I'm sure there are other cons or things to consider like most jobs, but it mostly is centered around patient care, and when we are having a difficult day, we have to put aside our feelings, making them a priority and that can be incredibly draining and stressful.
I hope this helped! I had the pleasure of working as an ER administrative assistant for roughly 2 years. Please let me know if you have any questions!