1. Professionalism in the Therapeutics Career cluster
Medical Therapeutics
Ms. Ashley Corbin RN, BSN
Public relations is a responsibility of medical assistants. Professionalism is a part of being a medical assistant.

2. Learning Objectives
Standard 2: Investigate and compare the range of skills, competencies and professional traits required for careers in the therapeutic field. Compare findings to current individual strengths and identify opportunities for personal development.
At the conclusion of today’s class I CAN:
Identify and define major characteristics of a healthcare professional through active participation in class discussion and attentiveness during lecture.
Describe personal traits that will contribute to my success as a professional through personal reflection
Evaluate areas of personal weakness that I will strive to improve upon over the course of the semester

3. What is Professionalism?

4. Characteristics of a Professional
Accuracy
Courtesy and respect
Dependability
Flexibility
Commitment to lifelong learning
Tact
Accountability
Positive attitude
Personal appearance
A medical assistant should possess the characteristics of a professional.

5. Accuracy Strive for accuracy in everything you do
Adhere to Standards of Care
Show dedication to quality and efficiency
Avoid errors
Ensure that the safety and well-being of patients come first
When dealing with human beings, it does not pay to take shortcuts.

6. Courtesy and Respect
Treat all patients and coworkers with courtesy and respect
Display behaviors that are polite, considerate, and helpful
Make eye contact
Treat others with honor, esteem, and thoughtful consideration
Treat others the way you desire to be treated.

7. Dependability Win trust and respect of others
Be reliable and trustworthy
Show consistent punctuality and performance
Carry out duties in professional and timely manner
A positive characteristic of a professional medical assistant is dependability.

8. Flexibility Often unexpected events occur at work Adapt to change
“Think on your feet”
Recognize problems and move quickly to solution
Medical assistants must learn to “think on your feet” and be flexible.

9. Commitment to Lifelong Learning
Profession of medical assisting is constantly changing
Medications, technology, and procedures continue to improve
Take part in workshops and college classes; read professional journals
Earn continuing education units
There are many ways a medical assistant can continue to learn and grow in the medical assistant profession.

10. Continuing Education Continue your education
Attend workshops and college classes; read professional journals
Keep track of your continuing education units (CEUs)
The American Association of Medical Assistants ( AAMA) offers a variety of ways to continue education through CEUs.

11. Tact
Ability to respond to others with sensitivity and courtesy so as not to be offensive
Described as “very diplomatic”
Think before you speak
Use proper grammar and do not use slang
Remember that once words leave the mouth, they cannot be taken back
Another word for “tactful” is “diplomatic.”

12. Accountability https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZWf2_2L2v8
Responsible for one’s own actions
Own up to errors
Work positively to correct errors
Create your own positive work environment
A professional medical assistant takes responsibility for his or her own actions and works positively to correct errors.

13. Positive Attitude Employers value positive attitude in employees
Notice own attitudes and set goals for positive change
Solicit feedback to make changes
Focus on the positive
Attitudes are “contagious”
A medical assistant with a positive attitude is a valuable employee. Positive attitudes are contagious. Employees like to work with others who have a positive attitude.

14. Personal Appearance Daily hygiene Makeup Jewelry Tattoos Hair Attire
Medical assistants should dress professionally with a uniform that is neat, clean, and fits properly.

15. Attire in healthcare
How can personal appearance standards in healthcare differ from those in other professions?
Uniforms should be neat, clean, and fit properly. Shoes should be clean.

16. Barriers to Professionalism
Bad habits
Being reactive rather than proactive
Bringing personal problems to work
Rumors and gossip
Medical assistants should strive to eliminate bad habits or barriers to professionalism.
Avoid chewing gum at work. Speak clearly and professionally.
Develop good organizational skills.

17. Social Media It’s all fun and games until it costs you your job…..
If you wouldn’t be completely comfortable showing your boss what you post then don’t post it!

18. Personal Reflection
List three strengths you hold that will make you a valuable member of a healthcare team and explain why.
List three weaknesses that you can identify in yourself that need to be improved upon. How can you work to improve these traits?