In an evening of celebration, students in the first and second classes of Briya’s medical assistant program participated in a recognition and induction ceremony.
The class of 2014 was acknowledged for finishing their MA program coursework and for completing or being in the process of completing their 160-hour externship. These students then helped induct the class of 2015 by pinning them with an MA pin.
Begun in fall 2013, the MA program is a collaboration with Briya’s longtime partner, Mary’s Center. It is an 18-month course designed to prepare students for a career as medical assistants, who work alongside physicians and perform administrative and clinical duties.
Maria Gomez, founder and president of Mary’s Center, spoke at the ceremony about the need for medical assistants and the importance of their ability to make a human connection with patients, an element that can get lost as systems become more automated.
“It was nice to see the MA group that is finishing take part in inducting the MA group that is just beginning,” said Ingrid Andersson, an MA instructor. “It brought the whole thing full-circle.”