Community members and senators came by to have their blood pressure, blood sugar and Body Mass Index levels checked by students in the Medical Assisting program.
According to Barbara Mafnas, GCC medical assisting program director, about 11 students conducted the volunteer screening.
The MA students worked in collaboration with Department of Public Health and Social Services officials to conduct the health screenings from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Blood sugar supplies were provided by Public Health’s Chronic Disease Program while certain immunizations were provided by Public Health’s Immunization Division.
The open house served to showcase MA training and the tasks and duties of a certified medical assistant.
“GCC students decided to hold [the open house] for the community to showcase not only what we do or what they do, but also because we are seeking legislation for the profession … to get more support,” Mafnas stated.
Mafnas explained there is currently no legislation for the profession of medical assisting on Guam. Although it is a profession recognized nationally through the U.S. Department of Education, she and Katsuyoshi Uchima, GCC Medical Assisting instructor, have co-authored draft legislation that would recognize the MA profession on the island.
“Right now on Guam, there is no legislation for the profession of Medical Assisting,” Mafnas said. “So if we get the legislation, then it recognizes them as a profession on Guam.”
