|
  hysician assistants (PAs) are highly qualified practitioners who are graduates of an accredited PA program and who are licensed by the state to practice medicine as delegated by and with the supervision of a physician.
The supervising physician may delegate to the PA most medical services and duties that are routinely performed within the normal scope of the physician’s practice and which the PA is competent to perform. The supervising physician has ultimate responsibility for the patient and supervision of the PA.
We are currently experiencing a shortage of primary care physicians. Similarly, in 1965, primary care physicians were in short supply, particularly in rural and inner city areas. In an effort to augment scarce medical supply, Dr. Eugene Stead of Duke University created the PA concept and established its first training program. He believed that, under the supervision of a physician, PAs could safely and effectively provide services previously provided solely by physicians. He was accurate in his vision. Today, there are more than 140 accredited PA programs and over 68,000 physician assistants nationwide. In California we have 10 PA programs and over 6,900 PAs.
PAs provide a broad, comprehensive range of diagnostic and therapeutic services. Such duties include performing physical examinations, diagnosing and treating illnesses, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, following chronic medical conditions, suturing lacerations, assisting with surgery and making rounds in nursing homes and hospitals. Physician assistant practice is centered on patient care and may include education, research, and administrative activities.
Physicians of any specialty may employ a PA. Just as there are many kinds of physician specialists, there are many kinds of PAs.
Top | Previous
| Next
|
indicates topics covered in depth for CAPA members.
's Mission
The Board Calendar
