Physician assistants (PAs) are licensed medical professionals who practice medicine as part of a collaborative healthcare team. They work under the supervision of a physician while exercising a high level of clinical autonomy. PAs are trained in the medical model, similar to physician education, and are qualified to evaluate patients, diagnose conditions, prescribe treatments, and perform medical procedures across a wide range of settings.
The physician assistant profession was established in the 1960s to help expand access to medical care, particularly in underserved areas. Since then, the role has grown significantly. Today, PAs practice in nearly every medical specialty, including primary care, emergency medicine, surgery, cardiology, orthopedics, oncology, psychiatry, and more. Their broad training allows them to adapt to various clinical environments and meet the evolving needs of patients and healthcare systems.
Physician assistants are involved in nearly every aspect of patient care. Responsibilities include obtaining medical histories, performing physical examinations, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, diagnosing illnesses, and developing treatment plans. PAs are licensed to prescribe medications, including controlled substances in most states, and frequently provide patient education related to disease management, medications, and preventive care.
In surgical and hospital settings, physician assistants often play a key role in patient care. Duties may include performing pre-operative evaluations, assisting during surgical procedures, and managing post-operative recovery. In inpatient environments, PAs conduct daily rounds, monitor patient progress, coordinate consultations, and facilitate admissions and discharges. Their presence helps ensure continuity of care when physicians are in surgery or attending to other patients.
The level of physician supervision varies by state law and clinical setting. In some environments, PAs practice with a high degree of independence while maintaining access to physician consultation as needed. In others, care is delivered through close collaboration with supervising physicians, including shared decision-making and chart review. Regardless of the structure, the relationship between physicians and PAs is designed to be collaborative, combining complementary skills to deliver high-quality patient care.
One of the defining characteristics of physician assistants is flexibility. Their broad medical education allows them to work in multiple specialties throughout their careers without the need for additional formal residency training. Many PAs develop deep expertise in a particular field through experience, while others transition between specialties as healthcare needs change. This adaptability makes PAs valuable contributors to healthcare systems facing workforce shortages or expanding service demands.
Physician assistants also play an important role in improving healthcare efficiency and access. Studies have consistently shown that care provided by PAs is comparable in quality to physician care for similar patients and conditions. Their involvement allows healthcare teams to see more patients, reduce wait times, and improve continuity of care, all while maintaining high standards of safety and clinical outcomes.
By combining medical knowledge, clinical skill, and a patient-centered approach, physician assistants help bridge gaps in care delivery. Their versatility, accessibility, and commitment to collaborative practice make them an essential part of modern healthcare teams and an important resource for patients across a wide range of clinical settings.