A Physician Assistant (PA), often referred to informally as a “Pa Doctor”, is a vital healthcare professional who practices medicine in collaboration with and under the supervision of physicians. PAs are educated in intensive physician assistant programs, and are qualified to provide a wide range of medical services across various medical specialties. You can find PAs working in almost every medical field, from primary care to specialized surgery.
The specific duties of a PA can be shaped by their supervising physician and also by state laws, which define the scope of their practice. In some underserved rural communities, PAs may be the primary healthcare providers, delivering essential medical care to entire populations. As healthcare evolves and populations age, the role of physician assistants is becoming increasingly critical to meet growing demands for medical services.
Physician Assistant vs. Medical Doctor: Key Differences
A primary distinction between a PA and a Medical Doctor (MD) lies in the extent of education and training. To become a PA, individuals must complete a master’s degree program specifically for physician assistants. Medical Doctors, on the other hand, must graduate from a four-year medical school, followed by a residency program that can last from three to seven years, depending on their chosen specialty. Many MDs also pursue further specialization through fellowship programs lasting one to three years.
While both PAs and MDs are trained to diagnose and treat patients, PAs typically operate under physician supervision. PAs are highly skilled in diagnosing common medical conditions and providing immediate and basic medical care. MDs possess more extensive training and experience, enabling them to manage more complex medical cases and specialize in advanced procedures.
Understanding the PA-C Credential
You might notice some Physician Assistants are identified as “PA-C”. The “C” signifies “Certified”. After successfully completing an accredited PA program, graduates are eligible to take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE), administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Passing the PANCE and achieving certification from the NCCPA allows a PA to use the PA-C designation, demonstrating their competency and national certification.
The Broad Scope of a Physician Assistant’s Role
Similar to MDs, Physician Assistants have the flexibility to work across virtually all medical specialties and healthcare settings. PAs can specialize in areas such as pediatrics, emergency medicine, surgery, and many others.
Regardless of their specialty, a PA always works in cooperation with and under the direction of a supervising physician. Their responsibilities are comprehensive and can include conducting physical examinations, taking patient medical histories, assessing symptoms, formulating treatment plans, and prescribing medications.
