Merlinda Bugarin
Berwyn,IL
Summary
Dedicated Medical Assistant experienced in direct patient care and medical office management. Enhanced patient satisfaction through strong communication and interpersonal skills while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Maintained efficient office operations and supported clinical teams in fast-paced healthcare environments.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
year of post-secondary education
Work History
Medical Assistant
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
Chicago, IL, IL
03.2025 - Current
- Administered vaccines to patients in a clinical setting, ensuring proper dosage and adherence to safety protocols.
- Patient care: rooming patients,taking vitals,(blood pressure,pulse, ox,weight,height and respirations)update medical information such as pharmacy,allergies,medications .
- Enhanced clinic efficiency through strong attention to detail, effective multitasking, teamwork, and communication skills.
- Ensured availability of medical supplies for all procedures and treatments by maintaining accurate inventory.
- Sanitized, restocked, and organized exam rooms and medical equipment.
- Trained new staff on clinic protocols and best practices, promoting a collaborative work environment.
Medical Assistant
Access Cabrini Community Health Network
Chicago, Illinois
12.2021 - 03.2025
- Obtain patient vitals including blood pressure, temperature and diagnostic information with tact and compassion
- Ensured the cleanliness, sanitation and maintenance of all facilities, exam rooms and equipment.
- Helped implement practice's quality assurance and control program. Efforts ensured compliance with HIPAA, CLIA and OSHA regulations.
- Managed patient intake processes, ensuring accurate documentation and efficient flow.
- Obtained client medical history, medication information, symptoms, and allergies.
- Assisted healthcare providers with patient examinations and procedural preparations.
- Administered vaccines and medications under supervision, adhering to safety protocols.
- Coordinated scheduling for patient appointments and follow-up care effectively.
Medical Assistant
Pillars Community Health Center
La Grange, Illinois
09.2019 - 07.2020
- Communicated with all patients, while maintaining a professional, calming demeanor.
- Documented and organized 20+ daily patient visits in the EMR system.
- Prepared for patients in house procedures such as Pap smears,
- Administered vaccines and medications under supervision, adhering to safety protocols.
- Boosted patient satisfaction by providing compassionate care and promptly addressing needs during visits.
- Assisted physicians in patient examinations and procedures.
Medical Assistant
Advocate Medical Group Pediatrics
Chicago, IL, IL
01.2019 - 09.2019
- Retrieved vaccines from I-care
- Completed school physicals, sports physicals and ASQ's developmental screenings and pre-ops
- Assisted with routine and complex pediatric medical procedures, including venipuncture, intubation, arterial puncture, lumbar puncture, chest tube insertion/removal, dressing changes and suturing.
- Performed medical records management, including filing, organizing and scanning documents.
Patient Care Coordinator
Pillars Community Health Center
Lagrange, IL
09.2016 - 01.2019
- Coordinate continuity of patient care with external health care organizations, and facilities
- Coordinated patient scheduling and appointments to optimize clinic workflow.
- Knowledgeable in and keeps updated on health center's payer contracts as they relate to a specialty provider
- Follow up consistently on transition of care
- Implemented electronic health record updates to enhance information accuracy and accessibility.
- Communicated with insurance companies to verify coverage and obtain authorizations for medical treatments and procedures.
- Delivered excellent patient experiences and direct care.
- Offered simple, clear explanations to help clients and families understand hospital policies and procedures.
- Coordinated patient appointments and managed scheduling for healthcare providers.
Medical Assistant/ Referral Coordinator
Access Humboldt Park Community Health Network
Chicago, IL, IL
06.2012 - 06.2015
- Roomed patients, took vitals, drew blood, and administered vaccines to support patient care.
- Followed up with patients on referrals and appointments with specialists, ensuring timely pre-approvals for procedures.
- Assisted front desk with high volume of calls scheduled appointments and routed messages to providers and staff
- Educated patients on medication usage and treatment plans, fostering adherence and understanding.
- Administered patient assessments and gathered medical histories to ensure comprehensive care.
- Assisted front desk with high volume of calls schedule appointments and route messages to providers and staff
- Trained new staff on operational protocols, promoting consistency in patient care practices.
- Cleaned and organized exam rooms and medical equipment to maintain a safe environment.
Education
Medical Assistant/Phlebotomist -
Illinois School of Health Careers
Chicago, IL 04.2006 - 12.2006
Skills
- Direct patient care
- Phlebotomy
- Vaccine administration
- Immunization management
- Patient assessment
- EMR: E-clinical works and EPIC
- HIPAA compliance
- Patient scheduling
- Office scheduling
- Care coordination
- Spanish bilingual
- Medical terminology knowledge
- Time management
- Problem solving
- Patient communication
- CPR
Languages
- Spanish
- English
Timeline
Medical Assistant
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
03.2025 - Current
Medical Assistant
Access Cabrini Community Health Network
12.2021 - 03.2025
Medical Assistant
Pillars Community Health Center
09.2019 - 07.2020
Medical Assistant
Advocate Medical Group Pediatrics
01.2019 - 09.2019
Patient Care Coordinator
Pillars Community Health Center
09.2016 - 01.2019
Medical Assistant/ Referral Coordinator
Access Humboldt Park Community Health Network
06.2012 - 06.2015
Medical Assistant/Phlebotomist -
Illinois School of Health Careers
04.2006 - 12.2006