“What is the typical day of a physicians assistant?”
I am an 18 year old who is considering becoming a physicians assistant. What is the typical day of a physicians assistant?
3 Answers
Profession now "Physician Associate".
Very much as an MD or DO. I have worked rural clinic, inner city ICU. Urgent Care.
My typical day, currently Internal Medicine Hospitist. My responsibilities include all admissions into the hospital. Evaluate patients in Emergency Department for appropriate route and establish foundation of care while in the hospital.
Typical day, I walk into my office for pass down of patients from the following shift. Check what patients I need to see immediately. Then round to ED for patients that need to be admitted or transferred to appropriate care like a specialist such as a surgeon or cardiologist.
I preform a complete history and physical exam. Order type of admission, appropriate labs and diagnostic tests, interpret.
Dictate entire admission.
End of shift I pass off to on coming shift.
Basically this is in a nut shell of my typical shift.
Very much as an MD or DO. I have worked rural clinic, inner city ICU. Urgent Care.
My typical day, currently Internal Medicine Hospitist. My responsibilities include all admissions into the hospital. Evaluate patients in Emergency Department for appropriate route and establish foundation of care while in the hospital.
Typical day, I walk into my office for pass down of patients from the following shift. Check what patients I need to see immediately. Then round to ED for patients that need to be admitted or transferred to appropriate care like a specialist such as a surgeon or cardiologist.
I preform a complete history and physical exam. Order type of admission, appropriate labs and diagnostic tests, interpret.
Dictate entire admission.
End of shift I pass off to on coming shift.
Basically this is in a nut shell of my typical shift.
The typical day of a physician assistant (PA) can vary depending on the specialty they work in, the healthcare setting, and the specific responsibilities assigned to them. However, here's an overview of what a typical day for a PA might look like:
Morning preparation: A PA typically starts the day by reviewing patient charts, medical histories, and any test results or diagnostic reports that may be relevant for the day's appointments. They may also coordinate with the supervising physician and other healthcare team members to discuss patient care plans.
Patient evaluations and assessments: PAs often see patients independently or alongside the supervising physician. They may conduct initial evaluations, take medical histories, perform physical examinations, and order necessary diagnostic tests to assist in diagnosing and treating patients.
Diagnosis and treatment planning: PAs can either collaborate with the supervising physician or work independently to analyze patient information, interpret diagnostic results, and develop treatment plans. They may suggest appropriate medications, order additional tests, provide patient education, and discuss treatment options with patients.
Procedures and treatments: Depending on their specialty and the setting they work in, PAs may perform various medical procedures such as wound suturing, casting, joint injections, or assisting in surgeries. They may also provide therapeutic treatments, such as administering medications, applying dressings, or providing basic rehabilitation exercises.
Documentation and patient follow-up: PAs are responsible for accurately documenting patient encounters, including diagnosis, treatment plans, and progress notes. They may also communicate with patients about test results, provide follow-up care instructions, and address any concerns or questions.
Collaboration and coordination: PAs work closely with other healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and other allied health providers, to ensure coordinated patient care. They participate in multidisciplinary meetings, discuss complex cases, and collaborate on treatment strategies.
Continuing education and professional development: PAs strive to stay updated on the latest medical knowledge and advancements. They may dedicate time to reading medical literature, attending conferences, or participating in continuing education activities to maintain and expand their medical expertise.
It's important to note that the specific tasks and responsibilities of a PA can vary based on the state's regulations, practice guidelines, and the supervising physician's preferences. Additionally, some PAs may work in specialized areas such as surgery, primary care, emergency medicine, or pediatrics, which can influence their daily activities.
Morning preparation: A PA typically starts the day by reviewing patient charts, medical histories, and any test results or diagnostic reports that may be relevant for the day's appointments. They may also coordinate with the supervising physician and other healthcare team members to discuss patient care plans.
Patient evaluations and assessments: PAs often see patients independently or alongside the supervising physician. They may conduct initial evaluations, take medical histories, perform physical examinations, and order necessary diagnostic tests to assist in diagnosing and treating patients.
Diagnosis and treatment planning: PAs can either collaborate with the supervising physician or work independently to analyze patient information, interpret diagnostic results, and develop treatment plans. They may suggest appropriate medications, order additional tests, provide patient education, and discuss treatment options with patients.
Procedures and treatments: Depending on their specialty and the setting they work in, PAs may perform various medical procedures such as wound suturing, casting, joint injections, or assisting in surgeries. They may also provide therapeutic treatments, such as administering medications, applying dressings, or providing basic rehabilitation exercises.
Documentation and patient follow-up: PAs are responsible for accurately documenting patient encounters, including diagnosis, treatment plans, and progress notes. They may also communicate with patients about test results, provide follow-up care instructions, and address any concerns or questions.
Collaboration and coordination: PAs work closely with other healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and other allied health providers, to ensure coordinated patient care. They participate in multidisciplinary meetings, discuss complex cases, and collaborate on treatment strategies.
Continuing education and professional development: PAs strive to stay updated on the latest medical knowledge and advancements. They may dedicate time to reading medical literature, attending conferences, or participating in continuing education activities to maintain and expand their medical expertise.
It's important to note that the specific tasks and responsibilities of a PA can vary based on the state's regulations, practice guidelines, and the supervising physician's preferences. Additionally, some PAs may work in specialized areas such as surgery, primary care, emergency medicine, or pediatrics, which can influence their daily activities.
I can only speak from the perspective of a surgical PA or intensive care PA. But our daily routine usually is as follows: IF you are at a hospital where PAs are primary and working in a specialty with few residents, the morning starts with a hand off on all patients on service and proceeds with the PA team deligating roles for the day. Some will go to the OR and be the first assist to the surgeon in the operating room , some will go to interventional radiology and assist with performance of angiograms, and others will remain on the floor taking care of the daily needs of patients. Some days, operations are short and sweet, and others will require near 8hours of standing in an operating room performing procedures back to back. You grow close with your team and you learn how to adjust your life around this kind of schedule. In intensive care, you arrive early, receive handoff on critical patients and their needs. You have about 30mins - 1h to familiarize yourself with patient concerns and address any emergencies before rounds with the attendings begin where you go from top down in regard to systems overview of whatever ailments they may have. You spend the day taking care of the critical needs of these patients while answering consultations, responding to level 1 traumas, and organizing bed shifts through the hospital to accommodate the sickest patients. If a patient goes into cardiac arrest, you are responsible for running the resucitation code and placing any lines in the patients for access. You don't se the OR in this position, but you do all bedside procedures to facilitate care. Both positions involve 12-14h shifts at least 3-4 x / week . You are not garunteed a break, very often you will eat while continuing work or have to excuse yourself temporarily to use the bathroom. Shifts may vary. You may be required to work days/nights/weekends/holidays. There are no longer, at least in NYC, any "cozy shifts" where you can avoid flex unless you are in outpatient offices, which provide usually less money. However, if you love what you do, you'll be fine. The passion for the work will outweigh the stresses that it brings. And YOU WILL BE, the primary person to engage with all families, even over the attending clinicians. The reality of the situation. Great question. Dr. Garcia
