CMA (AAMA) Known for Answering Patient Calls for Help

With nearly 40 years of diverse experiences as a medical assistant, Anita Figueroa is known by residents at her workplace as Ann Landers—a pen name for a former advice column of the Chicago Sun-Times—for her ability to offer inspiration, aid, and hope. Figueroa takes pride in her ability to uplift others, as well as her profession and certification.

She is currently serving her fourth term as vice president of the Chicago chapter of the Illinois Society of Medical Assistants. “Giving back to the profession is rewarding,” says Figueroa. “I hope to encourage others to take advantage of this great career.”

Conference Updates Coming Soon

Want to attend the 2025 AAMA Conference in Arlington, Virginia, September 19–22? Registration will open in early March. Visit “AAMA Annual Conference” for details and the top 5 reasons to attend, and keep an eye out for more items.

Alcohol Screening and Brief Intervention: Inhibit Risky Alcohol Use

By acting as champions of alcohol screening and brief intervention (SBI), medical assistants take action against risky alcohol use and its consequences, including fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). Review alcohol-related risks, the process of planning and implementing alcohol SBI, and medical assistants’ role in facilitating consistent screening and open dialogues with patients.

2 CEU (gen/clin)

$20 for AAMA members and $30 for AAMA nonmembers.

ABC in Pediatrics

Show employers you have the knowledge needed to care for a patient population that ranges from infants to young adults and requires diverse, specialized health care. Earn the Assessment-Based Certificate in Pediatrics, available through the AAMA e-Learning Center.