The First Face of Care: Sabrina, EMT & Medical Assistant

During a visit to the Cancer Institute at Memorial Hospital West in Pembroke Pines, Florida, I had the opportunity to speak with Sabrina, an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Medical Assistant, about the critical role medical assistants play in patient care. As one of the first healthcare professionals patients encounter during their visit, Sabrina helps lay the foundation for each appointment by preparing patients, taking vitals, coordinating care, and ensuring providers have the information they need.

Our conversation explores the importance of the often-overlooked professionals who help make compassionate, patient-centered care possible. Sabrina also reflects on her transition from the male-dominated field of emergency medical services to oncology, highlighting how workforce diversity, supportive work environments, and equitable access to care all contribute to stronger healthcare systems.

Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your role in the hematology clinic?

My name is Sabrina, and I work as a medical assistant in the benign hematology clinic alongside our nurse practitioner. Before joining this clinic, I was a float medical assistant and worked with several oncology physicians. Now, I primarily care for patients with benign blood disorders.

What does a typical day look like for you, and what happens before a patient sees their provider?

Before patients see the provider, they first check in and complete the registration process. Once they arrive in the clinic, I bring them back, take their vital signs, review their medications, and update their medical history. Behind the scenes, I also help coordinate referrals, process medication refills, and prepare everything the provider needs before the visit.

What inspired you to pursue this career, and what training did it require?

My background is actually in emergency medical services – I’m a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Although I now work as a medical assistant, my EMT training gave me a strong clinical foundation. For those interested in becoming a medical assistant, it's typically a technical program that can be completed in about six months through colleges such as Miami Dade College or Broward College. Memorial Healthcare System also offers its own medical assistant training program, where participants are trained and then hired directly into the health system.

How has working as an EMT differed from working as a medical assistant?

EMT work is very fast-paced and unpredictable. Every day is different, and you're constantly responding to emergencies. Working in a clinic allows me to spend more time with patients and build relationships with them. It's still hands-on, but it's a different type of patient care. I also feel that oncology requires a special level of compassion because patients are often going through some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

You also mentioned that Emergency Medical Services is a male-dominated field. What was that experience like for you?

Emergency Medical Services (EMS), at least in Florida, is still a very male-dominated field. During my EMT training, I only met about three women throughout five or six different training rotations. Although it could be challenging at times, the experience ultimately helped shape my career path and led me to discover my passion for patient-centered care in oncology.

Emergency medicine can be emotionally challenging. How did you prepare yourself for that environment?

During my EMT training, I witnessed a great deal of trauma and loss. It's something you have to mentally prepare yourself for, and fortunately, many Emergency Medical Services (EMS) departments provide support systems, including counselors and therapists, to help providers process those experiences.

As one of the first healthcare professionals patients interact with, how does your clinic help patients overcome barriers to care?

Fortunately, our clinic has many resources available. For example, if a patient doesn't speak English, we have interpreter services to make sure communication isn't a barrier. While challenges certainly exist, our team works hard to connect patients with the resources they need so they can receive the best possible care.

If you could change one thing to improve the healthcare experience for patients navigating blood disorders or cancer care, what would it be?

I would improve access to care. Many patients struggle because of financial barriers or insurance limitations, making it difficult to receive timely care or return for follow-up appointments. Expanding affordable healthcare and making it easier for patients to access treatment would make a tremendous difference. Earlier care often leads to better outcomes, and every patient deserves the opportunity to receive the care they need.

Interviewer Reflection

Although Sabrina works behind the scenes, her role highlights how much healthcare depends on teamwork long before a provider enters the room. From coordinating care to helping patients overcome language and financial barriers, her experiences demonstrate that improving health outcomes requires more than excellent medical treatment – it also requires accessible systems that ensure every patient can receive timely, compassionate care.