A medical assistant is a healthcare professional who plays a vital role in medical offices, clinics, and hospitals. They are trained to perform both administrative and clinical tasks to support the smooth operation of a healthcare facility. Administrative duties of a medical assistant include scheduling appointments, managing patient records, and coordinating billing and insurance processes. On the clinical side, medical assistants take patient histories, check vital signs, prepare patients for examinations, administering medications (under the supervision of a healthcare provider), and conduct basic lab tests. They also provide essential support to physicians and advanced practice providers during procedures.