At ChenMed, Medical Assistants are known as Care Promoters—and for good reason. Their role goes far beyond taking vitals or preparing exam rooms. Care Promoters are the heart of our patient-centered model, helping seniors feel supported, heard, and understood at every visit.

Unlike traditional MA roles, Care Promoters are deeply embedded in the patient experience. They welcome patients into our centers, guide them through their appointments, and ensure that no detail is overlooked. Care Promoters don’t just care for patients—they promote better health by building trust, breaking down barriers, and showing compassion every step of the way.

If you’ve ever wondered what makes being a Care Promoter at ChenMed different from other healthcare settings, here are six meaningful ways our teams make a difference in patients’ lives every day.

Welcoming Seniors with Empathy

Every visit begins with a first impression, and Care Promoters make sure it’s one that sets the tone for comfort and compassion. For many seniors, walking into a doctor’s office can bring feelings of anxiety or uncertainty. But at ChenMed, the experience begins with warmth, not worry.

Whether it’s a smile at the front desk, taking time to listen, or simply remembering a patient’s preferences, empathy fosters a positive interaction. At ChenMed, Care Promoters make sure patients never feel like just a number. That compassion helps seniors feel comfortable and cared for before they even step into the exam room.

Empathy starts with presence. At our Oak Lawn center in Illinois, Iryna Koropatnytska greets every patient with calm and care. “A patient might be anxious or not feel well,” she says. “I keep my voice gentle and make eye contact so they know they’re safe and in good hands.” For Iryna, reassurance is a quiet but powerful form of medicine.

Small gestures can make a big difference in building trust with seniors. At our East Point center in Georgia, Ty White makes a point of greeting each patient by name. “It’s a small gesture,” Ty says, “but it helps them feel seen and valued.” That familiarity helps seniors relax before their visit even begins. Proof that kindness often speaks louder than words.

Building Relationships That Matter

Care Promoters may not always work with the same patients long-term, but their role itself creates continuity. Seniors know that when they arrive for an appointment, a Care Promoter will be there to welcome them, guide them through the visit, and answer their questions. That consistency builds trust and stability in the patient experience — a small but powerful way Care Promoters help patients feel known and cared for.

Listening is often the most powerful part of the job. At our Louisville, KY center, Desiree Young has found that patients open up most when they feel truly heard. “Listen more than you speak,” she says. “Our patients have stories to tell, and when you take time to hear them, they trust you more.” That trust transforms everyday check-ins into meaningful conversations that strengthen the bond between patient and care team.

Sometimes, connection starts with laughter. At our Maple Heights center in Cleveland, OH, Travis Camp uses humor to create comfort. “Some patients come in nervous or frustrated,” he explains. “If I can get them to laugh before their appointment, it changes their whole energy.” A shared smile can remind patients that they’re not alone — that their caregivers see them as people, not just patients.

Through consistency, kindness, and small acts of humanity, Care Promoters cultivate relationships that make every visit feel familiar and every patient feel valued.

Supporting Education and Understanding

Medical jargon can feel overwhelming, especially for seniors managing multiple conditions. Care Promoters bridge the gap by helping patients understand their instructions, treatment plans, and preventive steps in plain, clear language. Understanding is the foundation of empowerment, and at ChenMed, education is key to helping seniors take control of their health.

Clarity builds confidence in care. At our Jacksonville, FL center, Dava Smiley knows how important it is for patients to fully grasp every step of their treatment. “Sometimes patients don’t want to admit they’re confused,” she says. “I’ll pause and ask if they’d like me to go over something again. I want them leaving confident, not unsure.” That extra moment of attention often makes the difference between confusion and compliance.

Education also reinforces prevention—a cornerstone of ChenMed’s care model. By ensuring patients understand their care plans, Care Promoters help reduce avoidable hospital visits and promote better long-term outcomes. Care Promoters help seniors feel at ease while guiding them through preventive, patient-centered care.

When seniors understand why something matters, they’re more likely to follow through. That’s why ChenMed Care Promoters take education personally, because empowerment leads to better health.

Ensuring Patients Feel Supported Throughout Their Visit

Every step of a ChenMed visit is designed to make seniors feel supported and at ease. From check-in to check-out, Care Promoters provide the consistency and comfort that help patients navigate their appointments with confidence. Their calm presence and attention to detail ensure that every interaction—no matter how small—feels personal and meaningful.

Comfort begins with reassurance. At our Graceland center in Memphis, TN, Jessie Cassels understands how intimidating medical visits can be. “A lot of patients come in scared, especially if they’ve had bad experiences elsewhere,” she explains. “It’s my job to make sure they know they’re safe here.” For Jessie, every calm conversation helps replace fear with trust.

Teamwork is what keeps that sense of calm consistent throughout the visit. At the same center, TeQuilla Eskridge says, “We work so closely with our providers, it’s not just about taking vitals. We’re part of making every visit feel personal and smooth.” Their collaboration ensures no detail is missed and no patient feels rushed.

Whether it’s adjusting a chair, offering reassurance before a procedure, or simply checking in with a smile, Care Promoters make every visit feel intentional and compassionate. Their steady support allows patients to focus on what matters most—their health.

Advocating for the Whole Person

Great care looks beyond symptoms. It considers the whole person. At ChenMed, Care Promoters play a vital role in this holistic approach, often spotting small details that reveal much bigger needs. Whether it’s a change in behavior, a transportation challenge, or a family concern, they ensure that every patient’s life outside the exam room is part of the care plan.

Observation can change lives. At our Southeast Memphis center, Shenterri Garrett noticed subtle changes in a patient’s behavior that others might have missed. “Something just didn’t seem right,” she recalls. “I shared my concern with the doctor, and they ordered additional tests. That conversation made all the difference.” Her attentiveness helped lead to an early cancer diagnosis. A powerful reminder that empathy and awareness go hand in hand.

Advocacy also means removing barriers that stand in the way of care. Jessie Cassels realized one of her patients had stopped attending appointments because she lacked reliable transportation. “Once we helped her connect with our outreach team,” Jessie says, “she hasn’t missed a visit since.” By noticing what others might overlook, Jessie helped restore consistency to her patient’s care—and confidence to her routine.

Every story reflects a shared belief: that compassion requires curiosity. By looking beyond the chart and paying attention to what patients don’t always say, Care Promoters ensure that every senior feels seen, supported, and cared for—body, mind, and spirit.

Delivering Compassionate, Patient-Centered Care Every Day

Ultimately, Care Promoters embody ChenMed’s mission of transforming care for seniors. They’re not just assisting physicians—they’re delivering compassion, reassurance, and connection in ways that profoundly impact patients’ lives. For many seniors, especially those facing isolation or health challenges, that compassion makes a world of difference. Every interaction, no matter how small, contributes to a larger picture of trust and respect.

Compassion isn’t just part of the job; it’s the heart of it. Every day, Care Promoters prove that kindness and empathy are just as essential to good care as medical expertise. Desiree Young reminds herself daily that patience is a form of compassion. “Even on hard days, I remind myself that the person in front of me deserves patience and kindness,” she says. That perspective keeps her grounded and focused on the human side of healthcare.

That same spirit defines the culture of teamwork across ChenMed. TeQuilla Eskridge describes it as “a family atmosphere,” where everyone looks out for one another. “It’s amazing to work in a place where compassion is the standard,” she says.

Empathy also transforms the way patients experience care. Iryna Koropatnytska believes listening is the most powerful tool of all. “You can’t rush empathy,” she says. “Taking a few extra minutes to listen without judgment helps patients trust that you truly care.”

Across our centers, those small moments—the extra conversation, the kind word, the reassuring smile—are what turn ordinary visits into meaningful experiences. For many seniors, it’s what makes ChenMed feel less like a clinic and more like family.

A Career That Impacts Lives

For those considering a career as a Medical Assistant, the Care Promoter role at ChenMed offers something unique: the chance to be more than a support role. It’s an opportunity to shape the patient experience, advocate for seniors, and deliver compassionate care that changes lives.

It’s also a role that offers continuous learning and growth. Because Care Promoters are involved in every step of the patient journey, they gain a broad understanding of patient care that goes deeper than many traditional MA positions.

Care Promoters make sure patients feel cared for from start to finish. That’s what makes this work so meaningful.

Interested in making a difference? Explore Care Promoter career opportunities at ChenMed.

We are also hiring for the following roles in the communities we serve. Click below to explore our immediate openings or visit Chenmed.com/careers.

Primary Care Physician
Center Operations Directors
Medical Center Support
Membership Growth Sales

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