The University of New Mexico Department of Emergency Medicine’s Medical Scribe Program in the School of Medicine is making a significant impact on provider efficiency and student education.
Launched three years ago, the program has steadily grown, offering essential documentation support to health care providers while giving aspiring medical professionals valuable hands-on experience. Here, Christie McAuley, MA, UNM’s Medical Scribe Program Manager, shares her insights into the efficacy and impact of this valuable service.
What is a Medical Scribe?
A medical scribe is a non-clinical member of the health care team who works alongside providers to document patient encounters in real time. Using laptops, scribes enter patient information into electronic medical records as dictated by physicians. Their role extends beyond documentation to include non-clinical tasks, such as calling pharmacies, interpreting lab results for providers, requesting language interpreters, and even assisting with small patient comfort measures like providing blankets or water.
Supporting Providers and Optimizing Workflow
Currently, the program employs eight trained scribes who work in the Emergency Department Resuscitative Unit (EDRU) and vertical care areas of the UNM Hospital Emergency Department, as well as overnight shifts at Sandoval Regional Medical Center – A Campus of UNM Hospital (SRMC). The program recently expanded to include one scribe working with Internal Medicine, demonstrating its potential for broader application.
Medical scribes alleviate some of the administrative burdens on providers by handling real-time charting and documentation. While physicians must review and approve all documentation, having a scribe significantly reduces the time spent on paperwork. This allows providers to focus on patient care, with the goal of improving overall workflow and provider and patient satisfaction.
A Stepping-Stone for Aspiring Medical Professionals
Beyond assisting healthcare teams, the scribe program provides a unique learning opportunity for students pursuing careers in healthcare. Many current scribes are undergraduate or gap-year students with aspirations of attending medical school or other health professional programs. Their experience in the trauma unit and emergency department gives them direct exposure to medical terminology, procedures, and patient care workflows, offering more than a typical shadowing opportunity.
Many former scribes who are now providers attest to the program’s value in preparing them for their future careers. The role immerses students in a fast-paced medical environment, helping them build a strong foundation of knowledge before entering medical school.
Training and Skills Development
The Medical Scribe Program includes a structured five- to six-week training curriculum. Once hired, new scribes complete learning modules, engage in shadowing experiences, and gradually transition into independent documentation under the guidance of Lead Scribe Jessica Murray. The training culminates in a comprehensive exam that scribes must pass to continue working in the program.
Ideal candidates for the program have prior scribe experience, strong familiarity with medical terminology, and the ability to adapt to a fast-paced hospital setting. While prior scribing experience is beneficial, UNM’s program is designed to provide thorough training tailored to the needs of its providers.
Expansion and Future Goals
Under the leadership of Courtney Lapham Simpson, MD, medical director and associate professor, the program is poised for expansion. The team is eager to extend scribe services to additional departments within UNM Hospital. Any department interested in integrating scribes can collaborate with the program team, which would handle training, curriculum development, and management.
Getting Involved
For students interested in becoming a scribe, the program typically offers both full- and part-time positions. Future opportunities will be posted on the UNM jobs website. The program also participates in UNM’s annual Health Professions Symposium, where prospective applicants can learn more.
For health care providers or departments interested in implementing medical scribes into their workflow, the program team welcomes inquiries about potential collaborations.
Please contact Christie McAuley for more info: CMcAuley@salud.unm.edu
The UNM Medical Scribe Program continues to enhance provider satisfaction, optimize hospital workflow, and offer invaluable experience to students pursuing careers in healthcare. As the program grows, it will remain a vital asset to both providers and future medical professionals.