Reflective Essay: A Career As A Medical Assistant

As a medical assistant, I care for patients in Pueblo, Colorado and its surrounding area. I feel grateful working with these underserved patients, as the gratitude continually expressed by patients reflects our impact. I often ask patients, “If you could not have come here, where would you have gone?” Many patients answer is nowhere. Patients explain that they are on year-long waitlists for appointments at other clinics or have driven several hours to reach our clinic. These are the same patients who have glaring skin cancers covering half their nose. I have had the opportunity to recognize the fragility of these types of patients, motivating me to learn from and work for the rural community. To promote lifelong learning, I am drawn to primary