The Richmond Vein Center Pre-Med Medical Assistant Program
“Preparing and Mentoring the Medical Practitioners of Tomorrow”
Physician Assistants Kelli Hodges, Kathryn Niederer, and Chris Cox have more than thirty years of combined experience in vascular medicine and are dedicated to teaching the next generation of medical providers. Richmond Vein Center (RVC) is affiliated with South University and Randolph Macon College as guest lecturers and preceptors. Over the past 15 years, RVC hired 7 clinical assistants that became Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners. The new PMA Program is designed to prepare our assistants to stand out from the applicant pool when applying to medical school or PA and NP programs. The inaugural RVC premedical assistant will begin Summer 2024!
The Pre-med Assistant (PMA) Program
The PMAs at our office are highly motivated college graduates looking to gain experience within the healthcare field before beginning medical or graduate school. PMAs have completed the premed curriculum while in college and are applying or planning to apply to medical or graduate school in the healthcare field.
Who can apply to the Richmond Vein Center Pre-med Assistant Program?
Interested in being a future practitioner (MD, DO, PA, NP, RN)? Planning to take a year or two off before applying to school again? Want to learn the specifics of healthcare delivery and private practice? If the answer is yes to any of these questions, then the PMA program may be the right match for you.
What are the roles and responsibilities of a PMA?
PMAs are trained and mentored in various clinical roles such as obtaining patient history, taking vital signs in the exam room, transcribing medical terminology, working the front desk, and assisting in procedures. Once trained, the PMA rotates through all roles.
Exam Room Duties and Transcribing
In the exam room, the PMA obtains vital signs and conducts medical interviews which are then presented to the Physician Assistant and documented in the patient’s electronic medical record. While in the exam room, the PMA can observe the patient-provider relationship. The PMA is trained to accurately and efficiently document in the EMR.
Front Desk Duties
At the front desk, the PMA assists with patient intake and registration, answers phone calls, and schedules appointments. This rotation takes place when the administrative assistant is out of the office with the goal of introducing the PMA to the patient relations aspect and interpersonal skills of the healthcare field.
Procedures
The PMA also assists the three physician assistants during vein procedures. The PMA is trained to set up a sterile field, prepare medications, and assist at the surgical table.
What if I have conflicts and other commitments?
We understand that preparing for additional schooling can be a busy and challenging time. PMAs often juggle multiple commitments and studying for MCAT or GRE. We work closely with our PMAs to address the demands of the gap years.
