Question 1

can physicians assistants specialize in anything?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Pa's have a general training and are very adaptable.  Most are used to supplement general physician practices.  But some work in specialized clinics and become very knowledgeable about a specific area.  For instance the main cancer center in seattle has many pas who manage cancer patients with a very high level of sophistication.

Question 2

how can i become a physician's assistant?

Accepted Answer

Training programs: Manymedical centers offer training programs for PAs.  You will need a college degree with a good record.  It helps if you have had some medical experience or at least a scientific background.  PA schools are very competitive.  Google PA programs to see which are out there.

Question 3

are physician assistants inferior to doctors?

Accepted Answer

Differently trained: Physician assistants train for 18 months to 2 years for the purpose of working alongside of (and under the supervision of) physicians, typically in very specific areas. In contrast, physicians train for 7 to 12 years (or more, after college) and are able to function very broadly and independently, although they can become quite specialized. Their functions are different, each with specific roles.

Question 4

how should i address my physician's assistant?

Accepted Answer

Either Ms. or Mr.: They should have a name, and addressing them formally is proper, with mr. Or mrs. (name). They are not a doctor, so addressing them as such would be  wrong. However, you can never go wrong just using formality to start with. People love hearing their names, and extended courtesy in general.

Question 5

can physician assistants specialize in anything?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Physician assistants (pa's) can have special knowledge in certain areas, such as pediatrics, surgery, obstetrics, etc... Their specialization is usually due to working in the particular specialty for several years. Some pa schools may have programs to help pa's specialize. Licensing rules vary from state to state, so there may or may not be state recognition of any specialized pa's.

Question 6

how are physician assistants and doctors different?

Accepted Answer

Education & training: A physician goes to college, then medical school and then has training in a residency and perhaps a fellowship.  A physician's assistant has college and then pa school.  They work with physicians under their close direction to assist the physician in seeing patients with problems appropriate to a pa's training and expertise. There are strict guidlines for their practice by state.

Question 7

can physician assistants assist in urological exams?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Many physicians employ pa's to assist them in their practices.  With appropriate traiing, pa's can do urologic exams and or assiste with them.  Specialty practices such as urology often employ pa's.

Question 8

are physician assistants replacements for regular doctors?

Accepted Answer

Teamwork: Doctors, physician assistants and nurse practitioners all belong to the same team of health care providers. We all have different areas of interest, training and expertise; and we all rely on each other to work together with you so that you can live well and be healthy.

Question 9

how many years of school is it to become a physicians assistant?

Accepted Answer

Physician assistant : I believe the course is around two years but you need some credits and experience before getting into the program.

Question 10

what is the main difference in nurse practicioner and physician's assistant?

Accepted Answer

See below: Nurse practitioners (nps) work in a variety of settings. So do physician assistants (pas). They can both be found in hospitals and clinics, from rural to urban practices. They both treat illnesses, provide patient teaching and prescribe medications, often acting as the primary care provider. 

Np's are nurses with advanced training.  Pas follow a medical model of training.

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Physicians assistant specialties

A member asked:

Can physicians assistants specialize in anything?

A member asked:

How can i become a physician's assistant?

A member asked:

Are physician assistants inferior to doctors?

A member asked:

How should i address my physician's assistant?

A member asked:

Can physician assistants specialize in anything?

A member asked:

How are physician assistants and doctors different?

A member asked:

Can physician assistants assist in urological exams?

A member asked:

Are physician assistants replacements for regular doctors?

A member asked:

How many years of school is it to become a physicians assistant?

A member asked:

What is the main difference in nurse practicioner and physician's assistant?

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