7 December, 2021
Getting into the medical field is something that many people consider but they believe becoming a doctor or a nursing administrator will be too difficult. Their dream of being prominent in the healthcare field often ends there. However, it doesn’t have to be that way.
Instead of studying to get in at the top, it’s possible to become a medical scribe first and then study for other qualifications later to develop your career further.
What is a Medical Scribe?
A medical scribe is someone who has an interest in medicine and would like to explore that. Gaining valuable exposure to healthcare facilities working on the front-line of medical care presents the opportunity to see nurses and doctors in action both on the wards and in the operating theater.
A scribe is someone who makes detailed notes about what medical procedures are being undertaken with a patient, prescribed medicine, X-rays or tests ordered, and other courses of treatment too.
Why is the Role Important for Healthcare Facilities?
It’s become increasingly important to document the significant aspect of each patient’s care. Given the long hours that medical staff work at a healthcare facility, along with the number of patients they see, it’s impossible to memorize every detail for each case. This is why a medical scribe is so useful.
Maintaining an accurate electronic health record for patients ensures a digital file for every person and the cases that relate to them. Each test they’ve been issued such as a blood test, an X-ray or other procedures are noted down with the correct date and time. In an era where errors in healthcare can be catastrophic, being able to track in real-time what’s happened is vital, as well as having a backward perspective that physicians and nursing staff can refer to as needed.
How Does Working as a Scribe Inform About Leadership Roles?
If you want to learn about leadership, seeing it in action is often best. Doctors and head nurses who lead their respective teams demonstrate the kinds of leadership skills that ensure a higher quality of care is administered. Better leadership also leads to innovation too.
A case in point is The Checklist Manifesto written by Dr. Atul Gawande. In his groundbreaking book, he made the case for physicians and other medical staff working in the operating theater to use thorough checklists to avoid costly mistakes in patient care. This has since been widely adopted in the U.S. healthcare system.
The Emergency Physicians Professional Association (EPPA) is an entry-point into the world of the medical scribe. They have 50 years of emergency medicine behind them along with 200 board-certified physicians involved. Learning about becoming a scribe and then taking a leadership role is one of their strengths. While a 3.0 GPA or higher is required along with some patient-led experience, they can advise you better about becoming a scribe and developing a long-term career in this medical field.
Life as a medical scribe is never dull. Every case is different. Diagnosis and subsequent treatment are not always obvious at the outset. If you’re interested in the healthcare profession but aren’t sure about what direction to take, becoming a medical scribe is a good way to get some real-world experience.