A Day in the Life of a Medical Assistant

January 5, 2026

In the face of adversity, Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest (PPPSW)’s mission remains clear and more urgent than ever–ensuring broad public access to sexual and reproductive health care through direct service, education and advocacy.

Recently, we spoke with several PPPSW Medical Assistants to learn more about what a day in the life of a Planned Parenthood Medical Assistant is like. Read on for an intimate look at a day in the life of Medical Assistants on the front lines of the reproductive rights movement, who work at our health centers and care for Planned Parenthood patients every day. Answers have been compiled from several staff at our various health centers across San Diego, Riverside and Imperial Counties:

Q: What kinds of clinical or support tasks do you handle throughout the day?
A: Every day is different, and that’s one of the things I love about this work. I might assist with a breast exam or a pap smear, help a patient with birth control, or support treatment for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) like chlamydia or syphilis. Patients come in for a variety of reasons, but there is always something new to learn, or teammates to support. You never have the same day twice!

Q: What does working in reproductive health care mean to you?
A: For me, it means providing compassionate care and education to people who haven’t received that in a health care setting before. It is about destigmatizing reproductive health by talking about it with patients and peers in a way that encourages curiosity and empowerment.

Q: Why is compassionate, nonjudgmental care so important in your role?
A: Our patients come to us for care, and it is our responsibility to make sure they feel safe and respected. Everyone deserves health care without judgment. Providing compassionate care builds trust and helps patients feel comfortable sharing what they need so we can support them fully.

Q: How would you describe your team at the health center?
A: My team is very hands on and supportive. We all jump in to help each other and make sure the day runs smoothly. Having coworkers who work well together creates a positive environment that makes a big difference in how the day feels.

Q: What makes working at Planned Parenthood different from other health care settings?
A: The range of services we provide truly sets us apart. We are proud to support patients regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, immigration status, or insurance status, to ensure all patients can get the care they need, when they need it. Whether a patient is coming in for birth control services, STI testing and treatment, vasectomy services, or other reproductive health needs – many patients prefer Planned Parenthood because they can receive same day care without waiting for authorizations or referrals from a primary care provider. It feels good to work somewhere that can meet people’s needs quickly and compassionately.

Q: What part of your day do you look forward to the most?
A: My coworkers. We start our mornings together making coffee, catching up, and supporting each other before the day begins. Having a team you genuinely enjoy working with makes a huge difference, and it creates an environment people want to be part of.

Q: What have you gained from working here?
A: I have gained confidence, strong teamwork skills, and a deeper understanding of reproductive health care. Every day brings opportunities to learn something new and to connect with patients in meaningful ways.

Q: How has Planned Parenthood supported your training or development?
A: I applied to medical school this past year and my work as a medical assistant at Planned Parenthood was a major talking point in my application and interviews. I feel grateful for the support I received from my leadership team during the process. I will be starting medical school in summer 2026 and will use the knowledge and experience I gained in this role through my entire career as a doctor.

Q: If you had to describe your work in one sentence, what would it be?
A: Helping patients feel cared for, supported, and empowered every single day.

We invite all health care professionals who feel called to do this work to join us. Explore careers with purpose at www.pppswcareers.org.