What Are Physician Assistants?

Physician Assistants (PA) are nationally certified medical professionals that work as part of a healthcare team with physicians and other clinicians. They are state-licensed, and are trained in the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. They also order and interpret diagnostic tests, as well as prescribe medication.

A physician assistant's education starts with an undergraduate degree. They are required to complete extensive prerequisite courses, similar to those of a pre-medicine student. Physician assistants also must have 1000+ hours of direct patient care prior to entering an accredited program. Upon starting their graduate education, a PA student completes one year of didactic education and one year of clinical rotations, and upon graduation earns a master's degree. Their education is modeled on the medical school curriculum, giving them a broad base of knowledge of disease diagnosis and treatment. 

Although certified in general medicine, Physician Assistants have the opportunity to train and work in all specialties. Their specific responsibilities and functions depend on their work setting (private practice, hospital, etc), their experience, state regulations, and the specialty in which they are employed. 

Our physician assistants work closely with the orthopaedic physicians and our clinical team in the treatment of orthopedic needs. They assist in the operating room alongside the physicians  and see patients in the clinic. They also are crucial in assisting in pre and post operative care of our surgical patients.