- In the early 1900s, administrative duties in a medical practice were relatively simple and were carried out by an office secretary or the physician himself. However, a nursing shortage during World War II created when nurses left private practices to work in hospitals ultimately led to the creation of the medical assistant field. To fill the void left by departing nurses, doctors began training their office secretaries to perform duties similar to those executed by nurses.
- In 1955, medical assisting became recognized as a profession, and the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) was accepted by vote as a national organization. Maxine Williams, co-founder of the establishment, was elected the first AAMA president in 1957.
- Today's medical assistants perform both administrative and clinical undertakings to keep offices of physicians, chiropractors, gynecologists, podiatrists and other health practitioners functioning smoothly. Administratively, medical assistants update patient records, arrange hospital visits and laboratory services and process insurance information. Clinically, medical assistants prepare patients for examinations, explain medical procedures and sterilize medical instruments. As with most career fields, specific duties vary greatly by office, depending on size, location and specialty.
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