Physician assistants (PAs) are essential parts of the medical system. Juliana Garofalo, a medical assistant currently studying for her physician assistant degree, explained the many roles physician assistants play.
“A PA plays a critical role in any medical team, especially as the country experiences a healthcare provider shortage,” Garofalo said. “They take care of numerous tasks so doctors can focus on their specializations. The result is superior healthcare for everyone.”
What Is a Physician Assistant?
A physician assistant is a medical professional with an advanced degree and license. They are qualified to provide patient care, perform minor procedures, and treat many illnesses. Their expertise gives physicians the opportunity to focus on more serious illnesses and operations.
Essential Roles Physician Assistants Play
The help PAs provide is essential to the functionality of the healthcare system. Their assistance allows more patients access to the help they need. Physician assistants work in a range of specialties and clinical settings.
Physician assistants often work independently but collaborate with the supervising physician. They’re generally able to work without direct supervision, as they are highly trained and specialized. A PA often performs the same roles as a primary care physician.
The following are several of the roles PAs play, as described by Juliana Garofalo.
- Perform patient exams
- Provide help during surgery
- Diagnose some illnesses
- Prescribe medications
- Order laboratory tests and x-rays and interpret them
- Advice patients on ideal health practices and preventative care
- Develop treatment plans
- Manage treatment plans
Physician assistants can play numerous roles in many medical specialties, including radiology, surgery, neurology, general practice, internal medicine, and more.
Becoming a PA
Juliana Garofalo is currently a medical assistant pursuing her degree as a physician assistant. She views this as an opportunity to assist during a time when the healthcare industry is in crisis. Many hospitals and clinics are experiencing staff shortages as baby boomers continue aging.
“I see this as an opportunity to make a positive impact on the healthcare system,” Garofalo said. “Especially during a time when many patients struggle to receive the quality care they need and deserve.”
Garofalo explained that earning a PA degree is a challenge she is willing to accept. She currently holds a bachelor’s degree and will complete a PA program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physical Assistant. This is a two-year program, including clinical rotations and classroom education.
Upon completion of the PA program, Garofalo will pass the certification exam and practice under the Physician Assistant-Certified credentials. Like other healthcare professions, PAs must continue their education every two years.