What is a Physician Assistant?

A physician assistant (PA) is an advanced practice clinician licensed to practice medicine with the supervision of a licensed physician which may be either in person, by telecommunication systems or by other reliable means (for example, regular chart review and consultation). The physician supervision, in most cases, need not be direct or on-site, and many PAs practice in remote or underserved areas in satellite clinics.

PAs obtain medical histories, perform examinations and procedures, order treatments, diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication, order and interpret diagnostic tests, refer patients to specialists when appropriate and first-assist in surgery. They are employed in primary care or in specialties in urban or rural regions, as well as in academic administration. PAs may practice in any medical or surgical specialty, and have the ability to move to different medical and surgical fields during their careers.