AAMA Podcast

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...

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, Hinm...

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 assista...

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 rh...

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 , 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...

In this episode of the AAMA Podcast, Felicia Eldridge, AAMA social media and marketing manager, breaks down the 2025–2026 cold and flu season forecast and what it means for medical assistants on the front lines.  You’ll hear an overview of public health predictions, key updates on the seasonal flu vaccine, and the symptom patterns medical assistants are likely to encounter as influenza, RSV, and C...

In this month's episode, we explore the deeply human side of cancer care - from discovery to treatment and every raw moment in between.  Dr. Joseph Perez, a family medicine physician in Pen Argly, PA and 2025-2026 AAMA Board of Trustees Physician Liaison, shares his firsthand experiences working with his medical assisting team and the roles they play in supporting their patients through some...

In this episode, we’re joined by Donald Balasa, CEO and Legal Counsel of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), and Katie Gottwaldt, Director of Certification, for a deep dive into the evolving landscape of medical assisting. Together, they discuss critical workforce trends, the shrinking pipeline of accredited training programs, and how the AAMA is innovating to meet today’s healt...

Celebrating the conclusion of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March, we sit down with John Kennedy, MD, president of the AMGA Foundation and chief medical officer of AMGA, and Trevor Maxwell, founder and CEO of Man Up to Cancer. Dr. Kennedy discusses his work with the NCCRT collaborative and its goal to increase colorectal cancer screening rates, and Maxwell shares his story as both a colorec...

In this episode, AAMA social media and marketing manager Felicia Eldridge sits down with Paula Purdy, CMA (AAMA), 2015–2016 AAMA president, current president-elect of the Oregon Society of Medical Assistants, and director of clinic services at MyTeam Medical Staffing.  With years of leadership experience, Paula shares her expert advice for medical assistants on crafting the perfect résumé and acin...

In our inaugural episode of the AAMA Podcast, we speak with Don Balasa, JD, MBA, CEO and Legal Counsel for the American Association of Medical Assistants about the current legal challenges and trends as they pertain to the medical assisting profession. Links: AAMA Website State Scope of Practice Laws Public Affairs Articles , written by Don Balasa, JD, MBA AAMA Advisory Service Program: The Adviso...