Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare

The Compassion of Medical Assistants

Marcus Engel Season 1 Episode 141

In this episode, Marcus is joined by Jill Semau, Director Medical Assisting at State Fair Community College, and Rachel Clifford, Clinical Coordinator Medical Assisting at State Fair Community College. Listen as they emphasize the importance of integrating medical care and support while sharing incredible stories that shine a light on how redemption and compassion reveal themselves in light of loss.

Jill and Rachel explain the duties of a medical assistant and outline the differences between medical assistants and nurses. Providing insight into why medical assistants must be compassionate and welcoming when patients first enter the clinic, they also highlight the importance of non-judgmental awareness in all healthcare settings and reveal different ways to show compassion.

 

Key Moments:

  • 00:00 – Introductions
  • 00:50 – Jill and Rachel introduce themselves and talk about Medical Assistants and what they do.
  • 04:20 – Marcus asks about using his book while teaching. 
  • 09:20 – Each Jill and Rachel share a time they have witnessed compassion.
  • 30:00 – Jill wants to leave us with “Your life makes a difference.” and Rachel would live us with, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.”
  • 35:39 – Thank yous and goodbyes!

 

Resources for you: 

 

More About Jill Semau:

Jill Semau is the director of the medical assisting program at State Fair Community College in Clinton, Boonville, Sedalia, and Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri. She worked as a medical assistant, clinical and EMR trainer, physician liaison, and clinical analyst at a local hospital for many years. She also spent 20 years with Youth With A Mission in 10 counties. She is married and has two sons, a daughter-in-law, and two granddogs.

Date: 4/8/2024 Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare Episode number and title: Episode 141 – The Compassion of Medical Assistants - Jill Semau and Rachel Clifford