What is the role of physician assistants (PAs) in healthcare?

Physician assistants (PAs) play a vital role in healthcare by performing a variety of tasks that include conducting routine physical examinations and treating minor injuries. Their education and training allow them to work collaboratively with physicians and other healthcare professionals. While PAs can also prescribe medications and assist in surgeries, their primary responsibilities encompass a wide range of clinical duties.

Performing physical exams allows PAs to assess patients’ health, diagnose conditions, and determine appropriate treatment plans. They are equipped to manage many aspects of patient care, which enhances access to essential healthcare services. This collaborative approach helps improve patient outcomes and alleviates the workload on physicians, enabling them to focus on more complex medical cases.

The other options outline roles and capabilities that do not wholly represent the scope of practice for PAs. While they can prescribe medications, this is not their only function, and they do not typically work completely independently; they usually operate under the supervision of a physician. Additionally, although PAs can assist in surgeries, they have a much broader role in patient care that goes beyond just surgical assistance.