u/Horror_Gay_Archetype

Just completed a shadowing opportunity for a prospective place of employment (dermatology) as part of the interview process. One thing I observed was that the practice uses eClinicalWorks for MAs to chart and scribe on these bulky ass work laptops. (Although, I guess scribing wouldn’t be accurate because the MA I was assigned to was using ChatGPT to “scribe” for the clinician during a visit.)

My last place of employment (also dermatology) used ModMed and we did our charting and scribing using work iPads. I had anticipated using ModMed again at my next place of employment, and I still have the guidebook from my previous place of employment. I’ve never used eClinicalWorks before, and upon first glance, its layout seems…messy. The first procedure I observed was neurotoxin and filler injections while the second one was a cosmetic SK cauterization. Whereas on ModMed where I would probably be marking the areas on an anatomical diagram the clinician is treating, the MA I was following was “typing” the whole time.

Has anyone actually used both before and can tell me the differences? Is eClinicalWorks or ModMed more user friendly?

Does anyone have a snapped photos of the “One for the Road” graphic adaptation in the second “Secretary of Dreams” volume? I’ve always wanted to check out how the art captures the visuals of the story….but I don’t want to spend $400 on a rare book just because I’ve been highly curious about a single story adaptation. 😅

So, there is a dermatology office I’ve been interested in working at for a while. As someone aspiring towards a career as a PA specializing in dermatology, it seems like this specific place could be a valuable learning opportunity. During my current job search, when I saw that this dermatology practice had posted a job ad for an open MA position on Indeed, I submitted my application like an hour later. However, the next day, I noticed that the job ad had been marked as “expired.” The day after, I was checking Indeed again mid-afternoon and saw that the same dermatology practice had posted a job ad for an MA position with a lower hourly pay range. (The initial job ad had a pay range in the low to mid 20’s as typical for derm MA roles in my state, but the updated job ad listed their pay range a little under $20.) I assume this change in pay is due to budgetary reasons, although, this practice is in an extremely wealthy area. Along with aesthetic services, this practice also offers concierge packages as alternate options to insurance, so…I really don’t think the place is hurting for money.

Now, to get to the issue…I’ve completed an MA program, got my cert, and I’m going to take the license exam very soon. I’ve also gotten approximately a year’s worth of paid work experience as an MA in a different dermatology office. There is definitely still much more for me to learn and evolve as a derm MA, of course; however, with my credentials, I feel like whichever practice I end up accepting an offer at should include a pay range that is higher. I’m primarily worried about covering my share of the rent and bills…and I do plan to continue working as an MA when I go back to school to take/re-take prerequisite clssses. I did re-submit my application to this new job ad that night — simply because the job market is tough right now, and experience is experience. I got a virtual interview offer a little over 24 hours afterwards, and I wouldn’t be surprised if that might be because barely anyone applied due to the low pay offer.) I’m torn because on paper, the type of dermatology practice checkmarks many things I’m looking for in a learning and job opportunity. The only real issue is the abysmal pay range. Even my previous dermatology practice where I got that year’s worth of work experience paid a couple of dollars more, and that was still on the low end compared to other practices.

Just out of curiosity…during the interview, would it look bad to attempt to negotiate for an hourly pay rate that is higher than the maximum range amount, or even ask about why the pay range has dropped so suddenly? Has anyone ever attempted this and how did it go for you? I know pay negotiation is very common, but candidates typically remain within the offered range to ensure success. Would the reason I stated as to why I would like a higher pay rate be reasonable enough to not ruin my chances from getting an offer? How exactly should I navigate through this interview process regarding the pay range offer?