WELCOME TO
Illinois Society of Medical Assistants
AN AFFILIATE OF THE
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF MEDICAL ASSISTANTS
Welcome to the Illinois Society of Medical Assistants website. Thank you for visiting.
The mission of the Illinois Society of Medical Assistants is to unite into one society the medical assistants in the state of Illinois for the purpose of maintaining the current standards of the CMA (AAMA) credential through educational programs.
In addition to advancing the profession by giving honest, loyal and efficient service to the public and continue to work within the medical community to demonstrate the knowledge and professionalism of the CMA (AAMA).
NEWS & EVENTS
ISMA 2026 CONFERENCE
April 24-25, 2026
​SAVE THE DATE
ISMA 70th Conference
Holiday Inn & Suites
7601 N Orange Prairie Road
Peoria, IL 61615
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Come join us. Friendship, Fun, Door Prizes, Raffles and
great Speakers
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ISMA Monthly
Business Meetings
All business meetings are held via zoom. Dates are to be determined.
If you would like to join our monthly meetings please email us and we will add you to the zoom invite. Thank you.​​​
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President's Letter
December 29, 2025
Dear Medical Assistants,
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As we step into a new year, my heart is filled with gratitude for each and every one of you. Medical assisting is more than a profession—it is a calling—and you live that calling every single day through your compassion, resilience, and dedication to those you serve.
I hope your Christmas season was filled with warmth, peace, and moments of rest surrounded by those you love. As we look ahead to 2026, my sincere wish is that this new year brings you renewed strength, hope, and joy—both personally and professionally. May it be a year where goals are achieved, dreams take shape, and your hard work is truly felt and appreciated.
As your ISMA President, I am incredibly proud of our profession and the unity we continue to build together. We are already in the planning stages for upcoming educational opportunities, and I am excited for what lies ahead. Education empowers us, strengthens our confidence, and allows us to continue providing the highest level of care to our patients—and that commitment is something truly special.
I would also like to gently remind everyone to renew your AAMA/ISMA dues by December 31st. Maintaining your membership allows you to continue receiving the many benefits you deserve—education savings, professional resources, advocacy, and the support of a community that stands beside you every step of the way. https://www.aama-ntl.org/
As we move into 2026, I also encourage you to consider getting involved with ISMA—no matter how small the step may seem. Whether it’s attending a Zoom meeting to see what’s happening, helping with an event, or joining a committee, your voice and presence matter. You don’t have to do everything—you just have to start somewhere. We need you, your ideas, your passion, and your perspective to continue growing and strengthening our profession.
Take a moment to reflect on how far you’ve come, the lives you’ve touched, and the difference you make every single day. Never underestimate your value or the impact of your work. Together, we are stronger, and together, we all shine brighter.
Thank you for your commitment, your heart, and your unwavering dedication to the medical assisting profession. I am truly honored to serve as your ISMA President and to walk into this new year alongside you.
With sincere gratitude and warm New Year wishes,
Katherine Schoonhoven, CMA (AAMA)
President, Illinois Society of Medical Assistants
