What exactly is a Physician Assistant?

There are many people out there that are unfamiliar with the Physician Assistant profession. I thought I’d take a moment to explain exactly what a PA is and does.

A physician assistant, or PA, is a licensed and highly skilled health care professional, trained to provide patient evaluation, education, and health care services. A PA works with a physician to provide medical care and guidance needed by a patient. A PA must attend a specialized medical training program associated with a medical school that includes classroom studies and clinical experience. I received my masters degree in Physician Assistant Studies. Each PA must be supervised by a physician. The supervising physician must always be available to the PA should the need arise.
A PA performs many diagnostic, preventative, and health maintenance services. Some of these services include:

• Performing physical examinations
• Establishing diagnoses
• Instructing and counseling patients
• Prescribing medications
• Providing continuing care to patients in the home, hospital, or extended care facility
• Providing referrals within the health care system
• Performing minor surgery
• Preforming Laser procedures
• Cosmetic treatments and injections.
• Acting as first or second assistants during surgery

U.S. Newsweek named Physician Assistant as one of the Best Careers 2011
CNNmoney.com just named us the #2 best job in America!

Next time you’re asked if you want to see the PA, give it a try