Eastern New Mexico University - Roswell

August 8, 2012 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Donna Oracion, 624-7404 ENMU-ROSWELL’S CHERYL VINEYARD NAMED TO MEDICAL ASSISTING EDUCATION REVIEW BOARD Cheryl Vineyard, Medical Assisting instructor and director of the Medical Assisting, Medical Coding, and Phlebotomy programs at ENMU-Roswell, has been appointed to the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB). Vineyard’s initial appointment begins January 1, 2013 and will continue for two years. She is then eligible to reapply for appointment for an additional two years, with a maximum of four terms. Vineyard’s first meeting will be in February 2013 in Tempe, Arizona. The primary function of the MAERB is to evaluate postsecondary medical assisting programs to determine their substantial compliance with the Standards and Guidelines for Medical Assisting Programs adopted by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). The MAERB recommends programs to CAAHEP for accreditation based on this review. As a MAERB member, Vineyard will be attending at least two face to face meetings each year, usually in January or February and July or August. In her appointment letter to Vineyard, Cheryl B. Startzell, MAERB Chair, said she appreciated her willingness to volunteer her time and expertise as a member of the board. “Your commitment to promoting quality education for medical assistants is commendable,” said Startzell. Last year, Vineyard received the Golden Apple Award from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). The award is presented to one medical assisting educator in the U.S. in recognition of outstanding dedication to and accomplishments in the field of medical assisting education. Vineyard established the Medical Assisting program at ENMU-Roswell in 1996. Since that time, the program has continued to thrive and grow, graduating more than 400 qualified, trained practitioners. The diverse program serves all ages, genders, and ethnic groups. Vineyard has been involved with the AAMA for 35 years and has served on the board of trustees and as national president. She has received both bachelor’s and master’s degree from ENMU. ###