Essential Skills for a Gastroenterology Virtual Medical Assistant

Jezreel Eunice Dela Peña
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January 30, 2024
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We sat down with Yesha, an experienced gastroenterology virtual medical assistant, as she talked about her approach to effective clinical support. In this article, we'll explore the essential skills that make her role tick and offer some takeaways for aspiring healthcare professionals.

Evolving in Healthcare

Yesha pursued a nursing course to kickstart her healthcare career. Her initial three-year role in gastroenterology not only boosted her technical know-how but also honed her communication skills. Working in gastro gave her a solid grasp of the field and helped her navigate its complexities. She gained insights that go beyond textbooks. This experience laid a strong foundation for her career and prepared her for future challenges and growth. 

Skills for Effective Patient Care

Central to her effectiveness in her role are clear communication, active listening, and empathy. Yesha stresses the value in asking detailed questions to fully understand patient needs, fostering open communication. Her hands-on approach positively impacts patient well-being, underlining the merit of these qualities in the effectiveness of a healthcare virtual assistant. Cultivating these skills makes for enhanced healthcare experience for everyone involved. 

Inside the Role of a Gastro VMA

Yesha’s responsibilities range from preparing instructions for procedures such as colonoscopy and endoscopy to scheduling appointments. She’s also involved in patient intake and prescription refills, which showcases the diverse nature of her role. She talks about the challenges, emphasizing the need for problem-solving. Her communication, listening, and empathy skills proved key in overcoming these challenges. 

Insights for Aspiring Healthcare Professionals

The experiences Yesha shared feature the human-centric approach in healthcare support. Her story reflects the ability in navigating complexities and maintaining a compassionate, patient-centered care. Technical skills are important, but soft skills like communication, listening, and empathy play a significant role in the healthcare experience. Those aspiring to work in this field can learn from the practical application of these skills for effective clinical support.

Bio

Jezreel, a content writer at Xillium, embraces a lifelong learning mindset, constantly improving in her craft. She brings diverse expertise with a background as an Account Manager in a US-based marketing company and supervising support departments in a US-based Home Health Care. Passionate about curiosity, Jezreel finds joy in journaling, reading, exploring educational and philosophical media, and playing board games with peers.