In this episode of the AAMA Podcast, Felicia Eldridge, AAMA social media and marketing manager, breaks down the 2025–2026 cold and flu season forecast and what it means for medical assistants on the front lines.

You’ll hear an overview of public health predictions, key updates on the seasonal flu vaccine, and the symptom patterns medical assistants are likely to encounter as influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 continue to circulate. This episode also highlights the critical role medical assistants play in patient screening, vaccination support, infection control, and clinic workflow during peak respiratory season.

Whether you’re preparing for increased patient volume or looking for ways to protect your own health and well-being, this episode offers practical insight to help you stay informed, prepared, and confident throughout the season.

In this month's episode, we explore the deeply human side of cancer care - from discovery to treatment and every raw moment in between.

Dr. Joeseph Perez, a family medicine physician in Pen Argly, PA and 2025-2026 AAMA Board of Trustees Physician Liaison, shares his firsthand experiences working with his medical assisting team and the roles they play in supporting their patients through some of the most challenging moments of their lives.

We're also honored to hear the courageous story of colorectal cancer survivor Esther Hyun, who opens up about navigating the complexities of the health care system, advocating for her own diagnosis and treatment, and the medical assistants, nurses, and physicians who have shaped her journey.

Together, their stories and perspectives speak to the power of teamwork, compassion, and patient advocacy - and what it truly means to deliver whole-person care.

In this episode, we’re joined by Donald Balasa, CEO and Legal Counsel of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), and Katie Gottwaldt, Director of Certification, for a deep dive into the evolving landscape of medical assisting.

Together, they discuss critical workforce trends, the shrinking pipeline of accredited training programs, and how the AAMA is innovating to meet today’s healthcare demands. Learn how the CMA (AAMA) credential stands apart from other certifications—and get an inside look at the proposed CMA (AAMA), I.V. micro-credential, a powerful step toward expanding clinical competencies and elevating the role of medical assistants nationwide.

Links:

AAMA Website

Information on the CMA (AAMA) Credential

"The Present and Future of the Medical Assisting Profession" - from the July/August issue of Medical Assisting Today