Kimara (BS, CCMA-AC) Moore
Kimara Moore (BS, CCMA-AC) is a highly experienced Clinical Educator at Sutter Gould Medical Foundation, where she has dedicated over 28 years to training and developing clinical staff. She specializes in creating educational programs for medical assistants, developing policies, coordinating extern and preceptor programs, and managing CLIA training initiatives. Her expertise spans CPR training, mock codes, new hire orientation, and the development of staff competencies, ensuring that clinical teams operate at the highest standard of patient care. Before her current role, Kimara gained extensive hands-on experience as a Certified Medical Assistant, providing direct patient care, assisting with procedures, and managing a wide range of clinical tasks, including rooming and caring for patients, sterile tray preparation, assisting in minor surgeries, EKGs, injections, and all other aspects of patient care and provider support. Her leadership skills were further demonstrated during her tenure as President of the California Medical Assistants Association from 2013 to 2014, where she championed professional development and standards for medical assistants across the state. Kimara’s academic background includes a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration from California Coast University and a Medical Assistant Certification from Adon College. She is recognized for her commitment to staff development, clinical excellence, and mentorship, drawing on decades of experience to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals while consistently elevating the quality of care in her organization.
• CPR Certified
• California Coast University
• Adon College
• Kaplan College
What do you attribute your success to?
First, my parents, who instilled a great work ethic in all of their children, of which I'm the eldest. They both used to say, "If you're not on the job thirty (30) minutes before your start time, you're late", and "While you're at work, it's the company's time, so keep work things at work and home things at home". My mom also added, "If you can love the work you do, you've found a career". Being in the medical field, I was fortunate to find that career.
Second, I've been fortunate to work with a great team, starting with the medical assistants (MAs) and providers in the clinic I worked with for the first twelve (12) years of my career, especially Dr. Steven J. Nelson, (I completed my externship (on the job training) with Dr. Nelson and his then MA and was hired upon completion). He taught me so much about the true meaning of patient care beyond the classroom and allowed me to pay it forward by precepting new MAs, both students and those new to Sutter. When the opportunity arose for me to move to the Clinical Education Team, he was the first to encourage me to take the next step in my career and has continued to support me to this day.
In the education department, I've always had a great group of women to work with. Oh, sure, we had squabbles, what group of highly motivated, passionate women don't? But we always worked through it and are better for it. We learned each other's strengths and how to play to them, encouraging each other to step out of our comfort zones, while continuing to develop who we are as a person and educator. I can honestly say I wouldn't be where I am or be the educator I am, and for that matter, the person I am today, if I hadn't worked with and collaborated with so many amazing other women. Many of our original education team members have moved on to new adventures, from leadership roles to computer specialists, and some have retired. I'm grateful for all of them; we're all still in touch and run things by each other from time to time.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Here are some of my favorites. I keep them on sticky notes on my computer monitor to remind me every day:
Someone took the time to teach you; now, take what you learned, perfect it where needed, and teach others. Pay it forward.
Never stop learning.
Treat every day as a new adventure, leave yesterday in the past.
Listen to others, don't do all the talking; they may just have something to say you hadn't thought of.
No one is a mountain unto themselves when it comes to your career; you will get farther up the mountain working as a team.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Research what the job duties consist of. Volunteer at a clinic or hospital to observe the staff in action. This will also allow prospective supervisors the opportunity to see your work ethic as well. Some locations also have a "Shadowing Program" allowing you to spend a few days with an MA/LVN/RN or provider, to observe the position and ask questions about the required skills, schooling requirements (some require a trade school versus a degree, and some may offer on-the-job training), etc.
Research potential schools. Is it better to go to a trade school or a local JC? What are the benefits for each? Example trade schools often cost more but allow you to get into the workforce faster.
Research the companies you apply for; what do they stand for, do they support philanthropic goals, what is the pay, healthcare benefits, and retirement plans? Is there an opportunity for growth within the company? Do they pay for continued growth through schooling (example: MA to RN), or courses the company provides for continued growth, such as leadership courses? If you have children, do they have a day care program or have a program that supports childcare?
Find the career you can love, that will energize and challenge you.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Healthcare is growing; our organization alone is opening or expanding 230 sites between 2023 and 2030. We've already opened several new sites between Northern & Central California, bringing on our first Southern California location in late 2023. We need more providers and clinical staff of all types, which is both an opportunity and a challenge.
(In process)
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
(In Progress) The values most important to me are family, especially spending quality time with my grandkids, and cherishing experiences through travel with my husband.