When you go to a clinic, hospital, or medical center, you might meet someone called a Physician Associate (PA) or Physician Assistant (PA). They’re often key members of your healthcare team. But what exactly do they do, how do they train, and why are they so important? Here’s a look.
What Does “PA” Mean?
- A PA is a licensed clinician who practices medicine in every specialty and setting. AAPA
- They are rigorously educated and trained by MD’s and DO’s. AAPA
- Their focus is on expanding access to care and helping transform health and wellness through patient-centered, team-based medical practice. AAPA+1
History and Scope of the Profession
- The PA profession was established in 1967, and today there are more than 190,000 PAs in the U.S. AAPA+1
- PAs engage in hundreds of millions of patient interactions every year. AAPA
- They practice in every medical specialty (like surgery, internal medicine, emergency medicine, pediatrics, etc.) and in all kinds of settings: hospitals, community clinics, rural settings, even governmental and federal agencies. AAPA+1
Education & Training
- To become a PA, one attends an accredited PA program (there are over 300+ in the U.S.). AAPA+1
- These programs are master’s degree level, lasting about 27 months (roughly three academic years). AAPA+1
- Training includes both classroom (“didactic”) instruction and a clinical rotation phase of over 2,000 hours. AAPA+1
What Do PAs Do?
- PAs diagnose illnesses, develop and manage treatment plans, prescribe medications, perform surgical procedures and often serve as a patient’s principal healthcare provider. AAPA+1
- At MacInnis Dermatology, PA’s examine and treat patients, including performing surgical procedures. Our PA’s have by thoroughly trained by a Physician, and work with their supervising Physician within the scope of their practice.
- PAs also emphasize preventive care, patient education, and managing chronic conditions. Their generalist training allows them to “treat the whole patient.” AAPA+1
How Do PAs Work with Physicians and Other Healthcare Providers?
- PAs are part of team‐based care. They collaborate with physicians and other professionals to deliver medical services. AAPA+1
Demand, Impact & Patient Perspectives
- The profession is growing fast. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects approximately 28% growth for PAs between 2023–2033—much faster than average occupations. AAPA
- Patients tend to report high satisfaction with PAs. Surveys (e.g., a 2023 Harris Poll) show that most Americans believe that PAs improve access to care, make it easier to get an appointment, and enhance outcomes. AAPA
What It Takes: Advantages of PAs & Why It Matters
- PAs help fill gaps in healthcare access, especially in underserved or rural areas. AAPA+1
- Their generalist medical training means they can handle a wide spectrum of care. If something arises outside their specialty, they can refer patients as needed. AAPA
- Because of their training, flexibility, and collaborative practice, PAs help reduce wait times, improve patient experience, and often help reduce costs by managing care more efficiently.
Conclusion
Physician Associates / Physician Assistants are integral to the modern healthcare system. Their rigorous training, versatility, and patient-centered approach enable them to serve in many roles—bridging gaps, enhancing access, and improving outcomes. If you are a patient understanding what a PA is helps you appreciate the value they bring to health and wellness.