8 Things Never To Say To A Physician Assistant

Did you know “Physician Assistant” (PA) was ranked the  best job in America ? Did you know their average base salary is higher than that ...

Did you know “Physician Assistant” (PA) was ranked the best job in America? Did you know their average base salary is higher than that of software engineers, business developers, and even your run-of-the-mill data scientist? Yet, most people still liken PAs to any ordinary assistant-level employee.

1. “Excuse me, Nurse.”

For most, there’s hardly a distinction between a nurse practitioner and a PA, but nurses tend to focus more on “caring,” and PAs emphasize “curing.” Unlike nurses, PAs attended a medical program at medical school to learn their trade and studied under the tutelage of doctors rather than nurses.

2. “Why should I trust your diagnosis?”

PAs go through 75% of the rigorous medical training, oftentimes alongside med students…in a medical school, only to graduate earlier and start working ASAP–without the $200,000 in debt. Physician Assistants are qualified to prescribe, diagnose, and treat patients. Needless to say, if you see a PA, you’re in trustworthy hands.

3. “So you’re the physician’s assistant.”

It’s “Physician Assistant” not “Physician’s Assistant.” The difference doesn’t seem like much, but most PAs don’t work as a particular physician’s assistant, but rather as a general caregiver with a variety of physicians. Most PAs also tend to have their own specialty–be it orthopedics, urgent care, or dermatology.

4. “You’re still an assistant.”

Not really. PAs aren’t a technician or assistant level profession–like their name suggests. It’s impossible to complete the training of a PA and still be considered an “assistant” in the medical field. That’s not the basis of the profession. Most PAs enter programs as competitive as MD programs, and good PAs can often, though without the same training as a physician, diagnose with the best of ‘em. That’s not something an “assistant” does.

5. “But you don’t practice medicine.”

Yes, PAs do. As mentioned above, PAs studied medicine at a medical school with medical doctors. They can diagnose and treat patients. Needless to say, PAs definitely “practice medicine.”

6. “So what exactly do you do?”

The job title doesn’t match the description. It’s as simple as that. PAs are trained like MDs, enjoy more autonomy than nurses, and, unlike nurses, can specialize in a field. Essentially, PAs act much like a physician, but require the physician’s approval before treating the patient.

7. “Why didn’t you just become a physician?”

Nobody just “becomes a physician.” That’s not how medical school works. PAs become PAs because, well, that’s what they wanted to do. Maybe the cost, stress, or time required wasn’t worth it to them. Maybe they want to help people but prefer to be behind the scenes than the one in charge. Who knows? Why does anybody choose their profession?

8. “Do you think you’ll go to medical school?”

Most wouldn’t ask their nurse if they’ll go to medical school, so why is it okay to ask the PA? Again, they’ve gone through medical training, and maybe that’s enough training for them. Medical school–its price tag, six-year dedication, and almost endless stress–isn’t for everyone, you know?

PAs share your love for your profession!