Medical Assistant Finds Joy in Giving Patients Great Care

Destiny Powell learned at an early age that some people need more help than others. For example, her mother has several medical conditions — and that amplified her desire to help others get the best medical care possible.

Now 25, the medical assistant at St. Theresa’s OBGYN in Snellville, Georgia, is making a difference by helping patients get the best possible care. 

Why did you decide to become a medical assistant?

I chose to be a medical assistant because I enjoy helping people who are in need. 

Did you always want to do this?

Yes. I’ve always wanted to be a medical assistant, even when I was a little girl. My mother has progressive multiple sclerosis and lupus. I told my mother that I would take care of her as she gets older so that nobody else has to. 

What does a typical day look like for a medical assistant?

A typical day as a medical assistant involves checking vitals, drawing blood, verifying that the patient’s information is updated and correct in the system, verifying the patient’s insurance and calling patients to remind them of their appointments for the following day.

What do you like most about your job?

I can make a difference in someone’s life. 

I also love that I get to interact with patients. I build a bond with them, and I help make them feel comfortable when they’re seeing the doctor. 

And least?

There’s nothing I don’t like about my job. 

What’s the most common misconception about being a medical assistant?

Many medical assistants make the job seem like a lot of work. It’s really not! If you love what you do as a medical assistant, then the job isn’t hard at all.

What do you wish you knew about the job before you got into it? 

I knew exactly what I was getting into when I chose this job. It took me a year to become a medical assistant. 

I was trained by one of the best medical assistant instructors, Armand Gabrielle at Cambridge College of Healthcare and Technology. I did a lot of hands-on training. I learned about EKGs, injections, phlebotomy and assisted with minor surgical procedures. I also completed hospital training. 

What personality traits or qualities would make someone a good fit for this job? 

A person who is dependable, mature, has a strong work ethic and good communication and interpersonal skills. You also need to have a good personality and be flexible.

Why would you recommend that someone become a medical assistant?

This career makes a difference. Well-trained and professional medical assistants make a big difference in a patient’s hospital or clinic experience. On any given day, a medical assistant or MA might administer medicine, help patients navigate complex insurance policies and prep patients for examinations. This wide range of responsibilities is why many MAs like their jobs — and it makes them proud they’re part of this field. 

What’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said to you at the completion of a job?

The nicest thing that someone told me was that they see that I’m confident in what I do as a medical assistant. I make them feel comfortable every time they come to their doctor's appointment. 

Want to know more?

• Explore medical assistant training programs