From Advocacy to Action: Navigating Autism Care Through a Dual Lens

70 Years of the AAMA with President Virginia Thomas, CMA (AAMA)

As the AAMA prepares to celebrate 70 years of impact, leadership, and advocacy, 2024–2026 AAMA President Virginia Thomas, CMA (AAMA), joins the AAMA Podcast to reflect on her journey with the association—from first becoming involved to serving as a two-term president.  In this special episode, President Thomas shares memorable moments from her leadership journey, how the AAMA has evolved over the years, and why member involvement continues to shape the future of the medical assisting profession.  This conversation is both a celebration of the AAMA’s legacy and a look ahead at the next chapter of the association’s story as members prepare to gather for the 70th AAMA Annual Conference [https://web.cvent.com/event/7fde4ecc-8d68-4ed8-b152-c2a3d57af53a/summary].

From Advocacy to Action: Navigating Autism Care Through a Dual Lens

In honor of Autism Awareness Month, this episode of the AAMA Podcast takes a deeper look at what it truly means to support autistic patients—not only through clinical care, but through compassion, understanding, and lived experience. We’re joined by Michele Hinman, CMA (AAMA), whose career spans behavioral health, pediatrics, and medication prior authorizations. Beyond her clinical expertise, Hinman offers a powerful dual perspective as both a medical assistant and a parent of an autistic child. Together, we explore how medical assistants can better connect with autistic patients and their families, the importance of empathy in care delivery, and the lessons learned when professional knowledge meets personal experience. Expand your knowledge in recognition of Autism Awareness Month with a special offer in the AAMA e-Learning Center. The CEU self-study course "Autism: Considerations for Health Care Professionals [https://learning.aama-ntl.org/Public/Catalog/Details.aspx?id=pRFNutLL2gqeMUGuLy%2fidQ%3d%3d&returnurl=%2fUsers%2fUserOnlineCourse.aspx%3fLearningActivityID%3dpRFNutLL2gqeMUGuLy%252fidQ%253d%253d]" is available at a discounted rate for the month of April—designed specifically to strengthen your understanding of autism, enhance patient interactions, and support your continued professional growth.

Colorectal Cancer Screening: What Medical Assistants Need to Know

Colorectal cancer screening is one of the most powerful tools in preventing cancer and improving patient outcomes—yet gaps in awareness and follow-through remain. In this episode, we take a closer look at why colorectal cancer continues to be a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, and how early detection through routine screening can make all the difference. Medical assistants play a vital role in this effort. As a consistent point of contact for patients, they are uniquely positioned to influence screening conversations, provide education, and support patients through the screening process—from intake to follow-up care. This episode highlights the critical ways medical assistants help close screening gaps and contribute to better population health outcomes. Joining us is Durado Brooks, MD, MPH, associate chief medical officer for screening at Exact Sciences [https://www.exactsciences.com/]. With decades of experience in cancer prevention and early detection—including more than 20 years leading national screening initiatives at the American Cancer Society—Dr. Brooks shares expert insights on increasing screening rates, addressing disparities, and empowering health care teams to save lives through proactive care. Tune in to learn how you, as a medical assistant, can make a meaningful impact in the fight against colorectal cancer.

Phlebotomy in Medical Assisting: Skills, Settings, and Patient Connection

In honor of Phlebotomists Recognition Week, this episode highlights the vital role of phlebotomy in accurate diagnosis, patient safety, and quality care—and the critical role medical assistants play in performing this essential skill.  We’re joined by Peta-Gaye Hall, CCMA, who brings more than 10 years of experience working across multiple specialties, including internal medicine, oncology, and rheumatology, as well as in laboratory settings. Hall shares real-world insight into how phlebotomy looks across different health care environments, offers practical tips for building confidence and technique, and discusses the importance of patient connection—especially when working with anxious or needle-averse patients.  In recognition of Phlebotomists Recognition Week, the AAMA CEU self-study course “Phlebotomy: Drawing from the Basics [https://www.aama-ntl.org/aama-store/product-detail?product=536]” is available at 30% off throughout the month of February for AAMA members (discount automatically applied). Designed specifically for medical assistants, this course reinforces foundational phlebotomy knowledge, sharpens your technique, and allows participants to earn valuable CEUs while supporting professional growth.

Identifying Human Trafficking in Health Care

In recognition of Human Trafficking Prevention Month, we’re joined by Ken Henry, CEO of Kentagious Kollective and co-founder and vice chair of the Coming Home Foundation [https://www.cominghomefd.org/], to discuss the critical role education and awareness play in addressing human trafficking. Henry shares insight from his work in survivor empowerment, coalition-building, and advocacy and explores how medical assistants can help identify warning signs and support trauma-informed, survivor-centered care. Preorder the new course today! The AAMA is releasing a new 10 ACG CEU course, "Identifying and Responding to Human Trafficking: The Medical Assistant’s Role. [https://learning.aama-ntl.org/Public/Catalog/Details.aspx?id=6BblqbhjM3gSJWIe1BG22Q%3d%3d&returnurl=%2fUsers%2fUserOnlineCourse.aspx%3fLearningActivityID%3d6BblqbhjM3gSJWIe1BG22Q%253d%253d]" Designed specifically for medical assistants, the course provides role-appropriate, trauma-informed guidance for recognizing warning signs and responding appropriately in health care settings. In recognition of Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the course is available for preorder now at a discounted rate during January for AAMA members.