Overview

Physician assistants or physician associates may:

• conduct patient interviews and take medical histories
• conduct physical examinations
• order and interpret diagnostic tests and exams
• diagnose illnesses
• formulate treatment plans
• coordinate and manage care
• perform medical procedures
• prescribe medications
• conduct clinical research
• patient counselling
• advise on preventative health care
• first assist in surgery

Physician assistants train to work in settings such as hospitals, clinics and other types of health facilities or virtually via telemedicine services. Physician assistants are commonly found working in academics, teaching and research as well as hospital administration and other clinical environments. Physician assistants may practice in primary care or medical specialties, including emergency medicine, surgery, cardiology, etc. Extensive clinical training precedes obtaining a certification to practice as a physician assistant. Physician assistant education is similar to physician training but shorter in duration. Renewal of certification is usually necessary every few years, varying by jurisdiction. Physician assistants may also complete residency training, similar to physicians' residencies but most are generally shorter, in fields such as: OB/GYN, emergency medicine, critical care, orthopaedics, neurology, surgery, and other medical disciplines.

A compelling 2015 Netherland study of PAs in four different models of care examined tasks performed and showed that direct and indirect patient care on a hospital ward does differ. The researchers determined that PAs in PA-only models spend more time on direct patient care and had the highest provider continuity. Another Dutch cross-sectional study on general skill levels showed that PA students and physicians score about equal on history-taking, physical examinations, and communication.