In all the chapters the Case Studies represent situations similar to those that the medical assistant may encounter in daily practice. Students are encouraged to consider the case study as they read each chapter.

Mary is 23 years old and has been a medical assistant for 6 months. She is currently working in a walk-in clinic in a large urban city. She has interviewed three patients this morning. One patient is a homeless transient male who appears to have some type of mental incapacity; the second is a teenage girl who suspects she might be pregnant; and the third is a well-dressed professional male who complains of a sore throat.

As you read this chapter, consider how you would answer the following questions relative to each of the patients:

1. How will Mary adapt her communication style to communicate with each patient?

2. What types of communication roadblocks will she encounter with each one?

What types of communication techniques will she use for each patient?