Locations:
SearchThe Short Answer from one of our experts
Image content: This image is available to view online.
View image online (https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/508f6a80-7d72-41c0-8c21-e172f2df9eae/physicianAssistant-1127771193-770x533-1_jpg)
Physician assistant on virtual appointment
A: Physician assistants (PAs) team up with your doctor and other healthcare providers to care for you. They earn a master’s degree after completing an intense medical curriculum from an accredited physician assistant program (often housed in a medical school).
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
Physician assistants graduate as medical generalists. They may practice in a primary care setting or a specialty setting, teaming up with a physician or a surgeon. They can assess, diagnose, treat, prescribe medication, and educate you about health conditions and about wellness.
As our population ages, physicians will rely more and more on physician assistants and other advanced care practitioners, such as nurse practitioners, to improve access to quality medical care.
— Cleveland Clinic Education Institute Executive Dean James Young, MD
Advertisement
Delivered every Tuesday!
Sign up for our Health Essentials emails for expert guidance on nutrition, fitness, sleep, skin care and more
Every two weeks once
Sign up for our Health Essentials emails for expert guidance on nutrition, fitness, sleep, skin care and more.
Learn more about our editorial process.
Advertisement
The best way to figure out which kind you need is to first speak with your primary care provider
They practice medicine similarly, but DOs have a focus on the mind, body, spirit connection
Bleeding is a risk and warrants taking care, but the reward of this lifesaving medication is great
Severe and debilitating headaches can affect the quality of your child’s life
With repeat injections over time, you may be able to slow the development of new wrinkles
This edible insect powder can be a good source of protein, fiber and other nutrients
Planning ahead, checking in with your care team and being vigilant about blood sugar monitoring can help ensure a safe fast
