Four Things Your Medical Assistant Wishes you Did

In my most recent Medical Manners podcast episode, I sat down with someone who has taught me a lot about what makes a great healthcare team—Yoli Perez, a talented and dedicated medical assistant I used to work with.

Yoli reminded me of something I’ve believed for years: If you want your medical practice to thrive, ask your medical assistants, nurses, and front desk staff what could be changed or improved. They see the workflow, patient interactions, and system breakdowns up close every day. Their insights are gold—if we take the time to listen.

During our conversation, Yoli shared four simple but powerful tips every provider can use to create a happier, more connected team (and better patient care).

1. Take time to teach your medical assistant.

Share your knowledge. Investing in your team’s growth doesn’t just help them—it helps you, your patients, and the entire practice run more smoothly. A few extra minutes explaining why you do something can build confidence and competence that lasts for years.

2. Say hello when you walk in—and call people by name.

It’s so simple, but it matters. Taking the time to greet your team members humanizes the environment and sets the tone for the entire day. It says, “I see you, and you matter.”

3. Say thank you.

Gratitude goes a long way. When you acknowledge the effort your team puts in—especially on busy, chaotic days—you build loyalty, trust, and motivation.

4. Ask for their input (and actually listen).

This one’s my favorite. Ask your staff what’s working and what’s not. Listen to their suggestions—and when you can, make changes. When your team feels heard, they’ll invest even more in the success of your patients and your practice.

A thriving medical team doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built through small, intentional acts of respect and connection.If you want to improve patient satisfaction, boost morale, and reduce burnout, start with your team.

🎧 Want to learn more? Listen to my full podcast with Yoli Olivo MA--The Medical Manners Podcast: Four Things Your Medical Assistant Wishes You Did. Together, we explore simple, meaninful ways you can connect with your office staff that make a big difference.

Looking for more tools to improve the human side of medicine? Subscribe to my newsletter or check out our Medical Manners Audio Course to learn actionable ways to improve connection, communication, and patient satisfaction—without adding more time to your day.