The Hill Vascular & Vein Center PreMed Medical Assistant Program

Providing a Foundation for the Physicians of Tomorrow

The PreMed Medical Assistant (PMA) Program

Interested in being a future doctor? Planning to take a year or a few off before applying to medical school? Want to learn the ins and outs of healthcare delivery and private practice? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then the PreMed Medical Assistant (PMA) program at Hill Vascular and Vein Center may be a perfect match for you. Read on to learn more about our program geared to prepare, nurture, and mentor our future physicians.

Dr. Hill really makes the effort to help you succeed as a mentor/teacher. Every conversation I have with Dr. Hill, he takes the time to not only answer my questions, but also teaches me the ins and outs of our current healthcare system, techniques when treating patients and interpreting diagnostic imaging.

~AK

Who can apply to be a PreMed Medical Assistant?

Our PMAs are recently-graduated, highly motivated individuals looking to gain experience within the healthcare sector before going off to medical school. PMAs have completed the pre-med curriculum while in university and are applying or planning to apply to medical colleges.

What are the roles and responsibilities of a PMA?

PMAs are trained and mentored in a variety of clinic roles including the exam room, scribing, working the front desk, and assisting in the OR. Once trained, the PMA rotates through the different roles.

Scribing and Exam Room Duties

In the exam room, the PMA measures vitals and conducts interviews to understand and document the health history of the patient. The PMA is responsible for documenting the visit using the Electronic Medical Record (EMR), an invaluable tool that allows convenient and secure storage of patient information digitally. The PMA is trained to accurately and efficiently scribe office visits using the EMR. In this role, the PMA is able to closely observe the patient-provider relationship firsthand and practice compassionate patient care.

Front Desk Duties

At the front desk, the PMA assists with patient intake and registration, billing, and obtaining insurance authorization. The PMA also answers phone calls and schedules appointments. At the front desk, the PMA is introduced to the service aspects of healthcare delivery.

Procedure and Office Based Lab (OBL) Duties

The PMA also assists Dr. Hill during vein cases and interventional procedures. The PMA is trained to set up a sterile field and assist Dr. Hill at the surgical table. The PMA is trained in sterile preparation of patients for surgery, handling medication, and documenting cases into the EMR.

What if I have other commitments?

We understand that preparing for medical school can be a busy and challenging time. Our PMAs often juggle multiple commitments, such as studying for the MCAT. We work closely with our PMAs to tailor a work schedule compatible with other responsibilities.

Interested in learning more about the PMA program? Head over to our PMA webpage for more information.

Written by: Nidhi Navaratna