PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT (PA)

Description

Primary Function: Responsible for practicing medicine with physician supervision including conducting examinations and writing prescriptions. Within physician-physician assistant (PA) relationship, PAs exercise autonomy in medical decision making and provide a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services. May practice in several primary care areas including family medicine, internal medicine and pediatrics.

Reports To: Clinic Manager/Physician Supervises: None

Typical Duties:

• Conduct physical exams, assesses health status, orders and interprets tests, prescribes medications, and treats illnesses including giving injections and suturing wounds. Consults with physicians as needed and refers to physicians for more complicated medical cases or cases that are not a routine part of a PA's scope of work.
• Monitors therapies and provides continuity of care.
• Triages patient calls and evaluates patient problems. Responds to emergencies including use of CPR.
• Counsels patient/family on preventive health care.
• Documents patient information and care in medical record.

Education: Bachelor's degree and successful completion of accredited physician assistant program.

Requirements

Other Requirements: National certification from the National Commission on Certification of PAs. To maintain their national certification, PAs must log 100 hours of continuing medical education every two years and sit for a recertification every six years. State PA license also required. Current CPR certificate required. Must be willing to work flexible hours.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of medical model and roles of physicians and physician assistants.
• Familiar with anatomy, pharmacology, pathophysiology, clinical medicine, and physical diagnosis.
• Knowledge of patient assessment techniques including taking medical histories, performing physicals, minor procedures, evaluating health status including state of wellness, and compliance with care recommendation.
• Knowledge of diagnosing and treating medical problems and developing care plans.
• Knowledge of documentation in medical records in confidential manner.

Skills:

• Skill in gathering and analyzing physiological, socioeconomic, and emotional patient data.
• Skill in accurately evaluating patient problems in person or via phone and providing appropriate advice, intervention, or referral.
• Skill in developing/revising patient care plan based on patient status.

Equipment Operated: Medical instruments required for physical exams and minor surgery and computer hardware/software.

Work Environment: Medical office and exam room settings. Frequent exposure to communicable diseases, biohazards, and other conditions common to clinic. Frequent contact with variety of people.

Mental/Physical Requirements: Involves standing, sitting, walking, bending, stooping, and twisting. May be required to help to transfer a patient. High level of responsibility and heavy workload can generate stress.