Paul’s story begins over 6,000 miles away in the Philippines. After moving to the United States, he faced the challenge of starting a new life—and career—from the ground up. Paul entered the healthcare field as an MA apprentice at PacMed, eager to learn, help others, and find his place in a new community.

Despite the initial hurdles of adjusting to a different healthcare system and culture, Paul persevered. Through his own determination and the support of his colleagues and mentors, he advanced steadily from MA apprentice to MA II and now to Senior Medical Assistant in dermatology. Today, he not only thrives in his role but also aims even higher, with a goal of becoming a clinic lead.

Paul’s journey is a testament to what’s possible at PacMed for those willing to learn, grow and connect. For anyone considering a medical assistant role, here are a few reasons why PacMed might be the right fit.

Build deep patient relationships.

One of the most rewarding aspects of working as a medical assistant is the direct impact you have on patients’ lives. At PacMed, medical assistants get the time and opportunity to form meaningful connections with the people they treat, through activities such as scribing and being actively involved in patient care.

Paul enjoys the opportunity to build trust and rapport with patients in his specialty dermatology clinic.

“I like it when patients remember me by first name,” Paul explains. “It’s such a huge compliment for me. I feel like I’ve established a deeper connection with my patients, and I feel like they’re kind of like friends to me.”

Hearing about a patient’s life and seeing their health progress brings Paul a deep sense of fulfillment.

Work in a supportive and welcoming culture.

Entering a new workplace can feel intimidating, especially in a fast-moving healthcare setting thousands of miles away from home. Paul says his strong, collaborative team made the transition much smoother.

When he first joined the team shortly after moving to the U.S., his coworkers quickly eased his worries. He describes the work culture at PacMed as incredibly down-to-earth. Team members constantly look out for one another, stepping in to help even before anyone asks.

This spirit of collaboration extends to the providers as well. Doctors and registered nurses treat medical assistants as true partners in care.

“I don’t feel they act like my superiors,” Paul notes. “We talk in a way that keeps the workflow smooth. We understand each other’s needs.”

This mutual respect fosters an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. As Paul puts it, “PacMed is a place where I can be myself and get the support that I need.”

Build a career with longevity.

PacMed offered Paul clear pathways for professional growth and is committed to employee development. Paul began through the MA apprenticeship program, which allowed him to learn on the job while exploring different specialties. During his first year, he rotated through primary care, surgical specialties, urology, ENT and dermatology. Testing out these various departments helped him discover his true passion for dermatology.

Now, he has his sights set on becoming a lead for the dermatology specialty clinic and potentially moving into the administrative side of healthcare in the future.

For those looking to expand their formal education, PacMed offers tuition reimbursement. Paul notes that one of his colleagues successfully used this benefit to pursue a master’s degree in healthcare administration.

Support your life beyond work with the help of PacMed perks and benefits.

A rewarding job should also offer incentives that improve your life outside of the clinic walls, and Paul says he’s found that at PacMed. He highlights several perks and benefits that he and his coworkers regularly use:

• Vision and medical coverage: Paul used his benefits to get LASIK surgery, allowing him to work and live without glasses.
• Fitness access: Free gym access helps employees stay active and healthy.
• Discount programs: Staff members can access a portal for coupons and deals on various everyday purchases.
• Mental health resources: Robust mental health support helps caregivers manage stress and stay resilient.

Paul also shares that his team benefits from engaged supervisors who actively participate in the daily workflow and prioritize employee well-being, noting when caregivers need a helping hand and jumping in as needed.

Take the next step in your healthcare career If you want to work in an environment where colleagues have your back, leaders actively care about your well-being, and you can build the foundation for a long healthcare career, we encourage you to explore our open medical assistant positions at PacMed.