Medical Assistant-Senior

UT Health San Antonio•San Antonio, TX

21h

About The Position

Join a federally funded clinical and translational research laboratory conducting active human subjects research across projects involving immune resilience, biological aging, military performance, infection, asthma, exercise physiology, heat stress, and trauma. The laboratory generates data supporting ongoing scientific investigation and published research in multispecialty journals. The Medical Assistant performs clinical duties supporting human subjects studies and the laboratory’s active research protocols. Candidates may qualify with Medical Assistant certification (CMA or RMA) or with a bachelor’s degree in biology or a related scientific field that supports the clinical scope of the role. Reporting to the physician Principal Investigator, the Medical Assistant performs clinical procedures and documentation activities in accordance with physician direction, study protocols, institutional policies, and applicable regulatory requirements. Duties include phlebotomy and research biospecimen collection; obtaining and documenting vital signs, including blood pressure; chart review for participant screening and study documentation; preparing participants for study visits; assisting with physiological monitoring during experimental sessions; processing specimens; maintaining and sterilizing research equipment; maintaining research and examination areas; and accurately documenting participant information, clinical observations, and study records. The Medical Assistant works with the Principal Investigator, co-investigators, research coordinators, and the broader clinical research team. The role also supports clinic operations, patient care, and clinical workflows, including intake, appointment management, communications, point-of-care testing, and training other Medical Assistants. The laboratory’s current multidisciplinary projects focus on infection, aging, asthma, and exercise.

Requirements

High school graduate or equivalent.
Five years of directly related experience as a Medical Assistant.
Current CMA Certified Medical Assistant credential required.
CPR, AED, and First Aid certification required.
Knowledge of EPIC software; may be required to serve as an EPIC super user.
Meet all training and competency requirements.
Communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
Demonstrate analytical thinking, including using logic to coordinate work within schedule constraints and respond to emergent requirements in a timely manner.
Support the mission, vision, and patient promise throughout interactions and participate as an integral member of the interdisciplinary healthcare team.

Nice To Haves

Completion of a Medical Assistant program is highly preferred.
Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in biology or a related scientific field may qualify if their background supports the clinical scope of the role.
RMA certification is identified as an acceptable qualification in the position description.

Responsibilities

Perform phlebotomy for research biospecimen collection.
Obtain and document vital signs, including blood pressure, and patient weight.
Perform chart reviews to support participant screening and study documentation.
Prepare participants for study visits and assist with physiological monitoring during experimental sessions.
Collect and process biological specimens according to established protocols.
Sterilize and maintain research equipment and maintain research and examination areas.
Document participant information, clinical observations, and study-related records accurately and in accordance with protocols, policies, regulations, and physician direction.
Obtain patient history, chief complaint, medications, and allergies, and document them in the EMR.
Report pertinent findings to physicians and communicate necessary patient information in a timely manner.
Manage patient appointments according to physician schedules and protocols.
Answer patient messages and handle medication refill requests according to clinic policy.
Prepare charts for upcoming clinics and provide physicians with requested test results, lab results, and medical records.
Handle internal and external phone calls and assist in the department call center by transferring calls to appropriate departments.
Provide in-service training and precept Medical Assistants.
Participate in developing best practices in clinical workflows.
Perform point-of-care testing (POCT), document results, and report clinical findings to the RN in charge and/or provider.
Perform other duties as assigned.