Physician Assistants

Physician Assistants (PAs) are health care professionals licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision. Graduation from an accredited program and passage of the national certification exam are required for state licensure. The common roles and responsibilities for a Physician Assistant at University Orthopaedic Clinic & Spine Center include performing admission histories and physicals, caring for simple fractures, assisting in the operating room, conducting post-surgical and inpatient rounds, suturing lacerations, performing cast changes, performing minor surgical procedures such as debridement and pin removals, and interpreting X-ray findings. All of these actions are performed with the supervision and consultation of the attending physician.

The role of a Physician Assistant is not of independent practice, but working as a team with University Orthopaedic Clinic & Spine Center physicians. The Physician-PA team can help to increase efficiency and optimize patient care. Frequent consultation and review of patient care, by both the physician and the PA assures that all patients are receiving the best possible care.

What is a Physician Assistant (PA)?

Physician assistants are health care professionals licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision. As part of their comprehensive responsibilities, PAs conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventive health care, assist in surgery, and write prescriptions. Within the physician/PA relationship, physician assistants exercise autonomy in medical decision making and provide a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services.

How much education does a PA have?
Primary School: 12 years
College: 4 years
PA Program: 2+ years
Total: 18.5 years