Meet our June Alumni Spotlight: Annie Melton, MA
Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Annie Melton, a 2017 graduate of the Medical Assistant program. Annie has progressed impressively in her career, from starting as a beginner to now being the Lead Medical Assistant at her clinic. We’ll explore her journey, insights, and the memorable experiences that have shaped her professional growth in the medical field.
Q: How has your career in the medical field progressed since you graduated? What positions have you held and what are your current responsibilities?
Annie: In the 7 years I have been a Medical Assistant, I have gone from being a beginner to now being the Lead Medical Assistant in my clinic. In my role now, I still get to room patients, take vitals, assist with procedures, administer injections, draw and run labs, obtain prior authorizations, patient calls, etc. I also help my other MA’s in the office by assisting with questions, giving constructive feedback when it is needed, training new hires for our clinic as well as the float pool for our region, ordering supplies and medications for the clinic, and always trying to be a supportive coworker that reminds them that the work we do is important!
Q: What influenced your decision to pursue a career in the medical field?
Annie: I always wanted to help people, but I think my biggest influence was my family. When I was little, my grandpa and dad would let me bandage up their hands when they had been beaten up from farm work. I also always had an interest in health and the anatomy of the human body, I guess that translated into a career in medical assisting for me!
Q: Are there any particular moments or experiences in your career that have stood out to you or shaped your professional growth?
Annie: Oh for sure! I think like anyone, there are some good and bad moments that stand out, but I think all of them were important to learn from, and they helped me become who I am today in my job.
Q: Can you share an especially memorable time caring for a patient?
Annie: While I was working in a neurology clinic, there was a patient not much older than I, and she was so anxious to receive her first set of Botox injections for migraine treatment. I held her hands while assisting the physician with the procedure, reminding her to breathe and letting her know each step of the procedure until we were done. The next time she came into the clinic, she brought a little trophy that said, “World’s Best Hand-Holder in Neurology!” We laughed and I thanked her, but that little trophy touched my heart. I still have it to this day!
Q: How is working as a medical assistant different from what, as a student, you expected it to be?
Annie: A lot more pressure at first! I didn’t realize as a student that I might have to triage patient calls, and that was a little nerve wracking for the first few months. Also, situations I might encounter with upset patients. Prior authorizations also took me a little while to get the hang of. Otherwise, BTC I feel prepared me well for my career as a Medical Assistant.
Q: How have you seen jobs in the medical field evolve since you graduated? Are there any significant changes or trends that you find particularly noteworthy?
Annie: Personally, I have seen the need for more Medical Assistants grow in the past few years. While most healthcare organizations don’t require MAs to be certified, I have several MAs come to me asking how they can become certified, and how they can expand their knowledge within their profession.
Q: What advice would you give to current students who are about to embark on their career path in the medical field? Are there any key lessons or insights that you wish you had known when you were starting out?
Annie: Take a breath and know that you can do this! You are not going to learn or get the hang of things in one week, and that’s okay. Take the constructive feedback you get from your instructors and preceptors and grow from it; they want you to succeed too. Remember that you can only truly care for one patient at a time. If you try to do too much at once, that is when you feel overwhelmed.
Q: Have you pursued additional education or certifications since graduating? If so, how have they enhanced your career prospects?
Annie: No additional certifications, but I have always enjoyed learning. I have been keeping up on the education required for my certification, as well as attending conferences to grow my knowledge to better myself in this profession.
Q: Have you set any personal or professional goals for yourself within the medical field? How do you plan to achieve them?
Annie: I just achieved my professional goal last month when I was promoted to Lead Medical Assistant. I just want to be a light and encouragement to my coworkers! I hope that I am, and that I continue to be!
Q: What is your favorite way to spend free time when you are not working as a medical assistant? Any special ways to de-stress? Fun hobbies to help unwind?
Annie: I love spending time with my family. My ways of de-stressing and unwinding include reading, exercise, movies, listening to music, and bubble baths!
Thank you, Annie, for sharing your inspiring journey and valuable insights with us. Your dedication to continuous learning and your passion for patient care truly shine through. We wish you continued success and fulfillment in your role as Lead Medical Assistant and beyond. If you would like to share your story about any of our programs or would like to tell us what you’ve been up to since graduating, we would love to hear it! Just email Haleigh at hgray@bolivarcollege.edu with the subject line “Alumni Spotlight”.