pas2017 Posted June 4, 2016 Share Posted June 4, 2016 Hey everyone! So I am a second year PA student, on my 4th rotation out of 8. Getting there! Something I have come across a LOT as a student is explaining the PA profession and what all we do to patients. I knew starting rotations I would have to do this, but it seems like I have had to explain my role as a soon-to-be healthcare provider more and more. It gets frustrating because I feel I am not able to fully get across to some people what all we do. We all obviously run into the issue of patients thinking we are assistants because of our title and some thinking we are not able to practice autonomously. I feel that when I'm a student following my preceptor around it makes it even more confusing because I am acting as my preceptor's "assistant" while learning as a student. What I want to know is how you all approach the question, "so what is a Physician Assistant?" I'm always trying to explain it as well as I can, and I know that as the profession continues to grow more and more patients will know what we are capable of doing. Sometimes I honestly feel like I have a chip on my shoulder when I get this question because I'm trying to defend our profession so much. At the end of the day, I know what we can do and the ultimate goal is delivering the best patient care, but I am all about educating about the PA profession! Let me know your thoughts. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chichamorada Posted June 21, 2016 Share Posted June 21, 2016 I haven't started clinical rotations yet, but here's what I said during some of my mocks (and the profs seemed to think it was ok): "A physician assistant is a medical professional who is trained and licensed to see patients, diagnose diseases, prescribe medication when necessary, and help you meet your health goals." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bella00 Posted June 26, 2016 Share Posted June 26, 2016 I have not gone on clinical rotations yet (just finishing up my first summer semester), but we have been practicing this a lot in History and Physical Exam I and our professor (who is a practicing PA) told us that if you say "Physician Assistants are state-licensed healthcare providers that can perform physician services under supervision from a physician" seems to work. It allows the patient to know you are a licensed provider and that you also work closely with the physician to make sure they are getting the best care. I totally understand if that seems bizarre, but I hope it helps. I am a "newbie" at this, since I'm only a semester in to didactic year but I hope it helps anyway! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lauren R Posted July 1, 2016 Share Posted July 1, 2016 When patients ask me that question I tend to use less medical jargon and explain it in plain English. Usually something like this... "I work along side the doctors. I can prescribe your medicine and order your tests just like the doctors, but I'll never be able to work independently. I'll always work with the doctors.". Then I'll just field questions as they come. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JMPA Posted July 1, 2016 Share Posted July 1, 2016 terrible answers above, may i recommend keeping your answer short and to the point? "I am licensed to practice medicine in collaboration with a physician" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loliz Posted July 2, 2016 Share Posted July 2, 2016 I am medically trained and I am licensed by the board of medicine. I am responsible for your care. I may collaborate with my colleague, Dr So and So, so that we can develop a plan for your care together. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator LT_Oneal_PAC Posted July 2, 2016 Moderator Share Posted July 2, 2016 When patients ask me that question I tend to use less medical jargon and explain it in plain English. Usually something like this... "I work along side the doctors. I can prescribe your medicine and order your tests just like the doctors, but I'll never be able to work independently. I'll always work with the doctors.". Then I'll just field questions as they come. I'm noting a pattern in you. Lots of PAs work independently, all day, every day. Agree with others and just say you practice medicine and there is a physician you collaborate with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AliB Posted July 2, 2016 Share Posted July 2, 2016 When patients ask me that question I tend to use less medical jargon and explain it in plain English. Usually something like this... "I work along side the doctors. I can prescribe your medicine and order your tests just like the doctors, but I'll never be able to work independently. I'll always work with the doctors.". Then I'll just field questions as they come. If I were your patient and you said this to me, you'd be asked to leave and go get a doctor since you seem to view yourself as inferior! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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