In reading ALL IN: The Making of a PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT, one begins to understand that the PA has chosen a vocation in which work will permeate all the hours of a day. Being a PA is an extension of the Hippocratic Oath to treat the sick to the best of one's ability, preserve patient's privacy, teach the secrets of medicine to the next generation.
A Physician Assistant's greatest value is being both available and approachable in providing knowledge and skills while continuing to learn from patients, their peers, and the physicians they are working with.
This author shares a "slice of this life" during her PA employment of 38 years.
The PA profession was established in 1967 with the return of medics from the Vietnam war and now more than 150,000 PA's practice in outpatient offices, hospitals, urgent care centers, in surgery, and in the emergency rooms. The deep roots of the PA profession are firm with the earnest tireless energy of PA's over 54 years.
Becoming a PA is often pursued after one observes and works with PA's who consistently address unique patient needs in these clinics, hospitals as well as in community settings.
Today, Physician Assistants rank #1 in 100 Best jobs of 2021 according to the U.S. News and World Report with the demand for PA's increasing more than 300% from the prior 10 year period.
According to the most recent Harris Poll, 93% reported extremely high satisfaction with PA's as trusted healthcare providers, and 91% felt that PA's have improved the quality of healthcare.
Truly the impact PA's have had on patients is exemplified by the bonds patients have with these medical providers.
It truly is a privilege for a Physician Assistant to provide this care.