Locations:
SearchAdvertisement
The Short Answer from one of our experts
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
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
Estrogen and progesterone changes throughout the month — and throughout your life — can make you more prone to dental health concerns
Stay merry and bright by knowing your triggers and journaling throughout your visit
Hormone changes can definitely leave you tossing and turning at night, but help is available
