Keeping Men Out

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Misconceptions

Misconceptions and social taboos that keep men out of the medical assistant profession should be identified, addressed and corrected. Accurate information about career training opportunities, challenges and rewards of working in medical office setting and clinics should be provided. 

malema wrote us this:
Sep 17th, 2007 - 7:31 PM

Re: No wonder so many can't find a job
I am a male medical assistant in a doctor's office. I am responsible for a lady CRNP. I work with her all the time. I do all back offices jobs except for EKG's (hospital policy). I have been in this office almost 3 years now. I am the only male in the practice except for the 1 male MD. If they need anything I am the one that has to move or pickup the object. I am also responsible for ordering and maintaining the vaccine used for shots in the practice. I considered moving to another facility in the hospital...

Positive Role Models

One way to change the public's way of seeing men in scrubs would be through positive role models and a more proactive approach toward men in the media: videos, graphics and publications should show men and women performing clinical and administrative tasks and communicate that hiring men is a positive move.

Vocational Training

Although the job market for men in medical assisting is far better today than it was in the past men are still denied full and equal participation in many aspects of this rewarding career, despite of their interest. Most employers just cannot seem to be able to picture a male medical assistant in their medical practice. Others seem intimidated by the thought of a man in scrubs greeting and caring for their patients.

Advertising

Vocational training and educational programs should set enrollment goals for male students and actively recruit them. Schools should advertise at places where men can be found such as colleges, newspapers and magazines for men. The number of male faculties (MA instructors) teaching the  medical assistant curriculum should be increased to support the men in the profession as role models.

The Exception—Men Wanted ONLY!

Sailors and Marines: Sailors and Marines practice a broad range of skills designed to integrate the Navy and Marine Corps ships and units into one cohesive, battle-ready team. If you are working as a medical assistant on a U.S. Navy submarine chances are you are a man. At present women cannot serve in submarines! For that to happen the Navy would have to redesign its entire fleet of submarines to accommodate female recruits.

A U.S. Navy medical assistant is part of a team that is responsible for the radiological and environmental safety of the crew. Their duties involve first aid and medical assisting skills, as well as radiation safety and atmosphere control. They also provide the engineering department with technical advice on the safe operating parameters of the reactor cooling system. Read: Military Medical Assistants.