Physician Assistant Definition
PAs (physician associates/physician assistants) are licensed medical professionals who practice medicine in a variety of specialties and settings. Rigorously educated and trained healthcare professionals, PAs are dedicated to expanding access to care and improving health and wellness through patient-centered, team-based medical practice. PAs’ specific duties are based on their education, practice setting, experience, and specialty.
Physicians’ Attitudes & Perceptions on Physician Associates
Demographics
AAPA Salary Survey Results for 2018
AAPA Salary Survey Results for 2021
Harris Poll Pennsylvania 2024
The Harris Poll survey conducted by AAPA demonstrated broad public support for one readily available solution to improving access to health care: mobilizing our PA workforce. Of Pennsylvania adults who have been seen by a PA, 91% believe PAs are part of the solution to this healthcare workforce shortage. By removing administrative barriers, we can increase patients’ access to care and improve satisfaction with our state’s healthcare system. Read more:
How the Profession Began
In the mid 1960’s, physicians and educators recognized there was a shortage and uneven distribution of primary care physicians. To expand the delivery of quality medical care, Dr. Eugene Stead of the Duke University Medical Center in North Carolina put together the first class of PAs in 1965. He selected Navy corpsmen who received considerable medical training during their military service and during the war in Vietnam but who had no comparable civilian employment. He based the curriculum of the PA program part on his knowledge of the fast track training of doctors during World War II