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What does a physician assistant do?

I recently spoke to a physician assistant student and she told me physician assistants are essentially doctors without the title, the salary, and surgery. I want to know more about physician assistants and what they actually do in the workforce.

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Hwal’s Answer

Thi,

I'm a current PA student, so let me know if you have any specific questions. Also, check this link for information on who PAs are and what they do:

https://www.aapa.org/what-is-a-pa/

Good luck!

Hwal
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Estelle’s Answer

Physician assistants provide continued care under the supervision of the physician. I am a gynecologist specializing in gynecologic surgery. PA's in my field are most frequently surgical assistants. They perform some preop and postop care as well. In my practice, I employ nurse practitioners to perform routine well woman exams.
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Rachel’s Answer

PA's are healthcare providers who assist physicians in taking care of patients. I am a surgeon. A PA in my practice would see patients after I operated on them and make sure they were doing well. He/she would answer their questions, look at their incisions, and make sure they were recovering well. A PA would also help see patients admitted to the hospital under my care.
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Elle’s Answer

Hi, Thi. Physician assistants are highly trained and skilled medical practitioners. They do many of the things a doctor can do. Physician assistants work under doctors and surgeons and practice medicine, from assisting during surgery to emergency care, even psychiatry. Physician assistants are often the primary care medical staff in remote places or rural venues. They can supervise medical technicians and nurses, examine patients, administer drugs, order medical and diagnostic tests, diagnose illnesses, counsel patients and their families.

This is a great profession and the job outlook is really good. Good luck!!
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Richard’s Answer

I am a radiologist. The PAs in my group work in the hospital. They perfom history and physicals before procedures. They also perfom some of the radiology procedures such as barium studies, PICC and central line placement, routine biopsies, lumbar punctures, abscess drainage, paracentesis and thoracentesis

However I believe most PAs work in clinic evaluating patients and either prescribing medication/treatment or referring to specialists.
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