Tuesday, July 20, 2010

What is a PA?

The most common question I am supposedly asked by patients.
When I started PA school 2yrs ago, one of our assignments was to memorize the answer to this question. It goes something like this...

A PA is a Physician Assistant. They are mid-level providers that work under the supervision of a physician. They perform similar responsibilities as the doctor. They can diagnose, treat, perform procedures, and prescribe (write prescriptions).

I usually just say a Physician Assistant who works under the supervision of the doctor, performing similar tasks. The only thing they really can't do is be the actual surgeon in a surgery.

My new favorite description...I'm seriously thinking about using is...

A PA is a Physician Almost. I think that pretty much sums it up..don't you???

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