Physician assistants (PAs) practice medicine while being supervised by a physician and/or surgeon. Physician assistants are different from medical assistants, who primarily assist physicians with routine clerical and general clinical duties. Physician assistants are trained to assist in providing preventative medical and healthcare services, therapeutic services, diagnostic services and other healthcare services deemed necessary.  Physician assistants are able to make diagnoses and perform medical examinations. They are trained to properly treat and care for minor injuries by administering sutures, casts or splints. There are cases where Physician assistants are allowed to prescribe medicine and counsel a patient for therapy.  Physician assistants must remain under a supervising physician and they are only allowed to work in the capacities determined by their supervising physician. 

Physician assistants can work in primary care facilities, pediatric facilities and family medicine facilities. Some PAs may be trained to work in general surgery and other special capacities, providing quality assistance to the primary physician.

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