Physician assistants (PAs) are licensed medical professionals who hold advanced degrees and are able to provide direct patient care. They work with patients of all ages and backgrounds, and their responsibilities typically include examining, diagnosing, and treating patients under the supervision of a physician. PAs work in collaboration with a supervising physician, but they generally operate independently under a set scope of practice determined by state law. Some of the more common specialties and sub-specialty areas for PAs include family medicine, internal medicine, emergency medicine, surgery, and psychiatry.
The specific responsibilities of a PA can vary based on their professional experience, any additional training they complete, their specialty, where they work, and applicable state laws. However, some of the primary duties of a PA include:
- Conducting comprehensive medical histories
- Administering and interpreting diagnostic tests, including blood tests and X-rays
- Diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries
- Requesting diagnostic tests and interpreting results
- Creating treatment plans
- Prescribing medications
- Performing medical procedures and assisting in surgery
PAs must have strong interpersonal skills, be detail-oriented, and have emotional stability to work well under pressure and provide quality care to patients. They must also be sympathetic toward and understanding of patients and their families.
