What is a PA?

Physician Assistants are far more than just assistants! PAs are trained and licensed medical professionals who take patient histories, perform physical exams, diagnose illnesses, develop and manage treatment plans, prescribe medications, order and interpret laboratory tests, counsel patients on preventative health,

perform various medical procedures, assist in surgery, and collaborate with a supervising physician.

PAs can practice in nearly every medical specialty and setting. 

 

PAs follow a disease-centered "medical model," in which they focus on the biologic and pathologic

components of health, and also practice assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.