MEDICAL ASSISTANT in Hattiesburg, Mississippi at Forrest General Hospital

Job Summary

Provides foundational direct patient-care and administrative support for the Gastroenterology Clinic. Works with physicians, the Nurse Practitioner, and clinic nursing leadership to prepare patients for visits, maintain accurate records, and promote safe and efficient care. Demonstrates compassion, accountability, effective teamwork, and commitment to Forrest Health’s mission and promise.

Performance Expectations

• Provide age-appropriate patient care support under the direction of the Gastroenterologist, Nurse Practitioner, and Clinic Manager (RN), within assigned competencies and organizational policies.
• Identify patients using approved identifiers; escort and room patients, obtain and document vital signs, height, weight, and other assigned measurements.
• Review and update medications, allergies, histories, and screening information in Epic; identify discrepancies and refer them to the licensed provider.
• Prepare examination rooms, supplies, and patients for gastrointestinal consultations and authorized office-based examinations.
• Assist with provider examinations and permitted office procedures; follow hand hygiene, aseptic technique, infection prevention, and specimen-handling policies.
• Collect, label, and transport specimens and perform authorized point-of-care testing only after documented training and competency validation.
• Accurately document assigned activities in Epic; route patient messages, refill requests, test results, and clinical concerns to appropriate licensed personnel.
• Provide approved patient education materials and reinforce provider-directed instructions, including preparation for GI diagnostic studies and endoscopy.
• Coordinate clinic follow-up, referrals, diagnostic testing, and communication with the GI Clinic scheduling team as assigned; the clinic sends completed procedure schedules to the ASC.
• Maintain examination rooms, equipment, supplies, and a safe environment; report abnormal observations, equipment issues, and patient safety concerns promptly.
• Protect patient confidentiality, demonstrate respectful communication, and uphold Forrest Health standards of professionalism and service.

Qualifications

Education / Skills: High school diploma or equivalent required; graduation from a recognized Medical Assistant program preferred.

Work Experience: Previous physician office or clinic experience preferred.

Certification / Licensure: Medical Assistant certification required upon hire, consistent with source template. Basic Life Support (BLS) required within 30 days of employment.

Additional Competency: No additional specialty competency required beyond assigned tasks.

Technical Skills: Computer literacy, Epic documentation, medical terminology, infection prevention, patient communication, and ability to operate assigned clinical equipment.