Career Description

A physician assistant (PA) is an academically and clinically prepared health care professional licensed to practice medicine with physician direction and supervision. Physician assistants provide primary and specialty health care in a multitude of settings. Many PAs work in primary care specialties, such as general internal medicine, pediatrics, and family medicine. Other specialty areas include general and thoracic surgery, emergency medicine, orthopedics, and geriatrics. PAs specializing in surgery provide preoperative and postoperative care and may work as first or second assistants during major surgery.

A physician assistant’s clinical responsibilities will vary based on the type and complexity of training, experience, and state laws. In general, aspiring PAs should investigate the laws and regulations in the states in which they wish to practice.