- Published: September 27, 2022
- Updated: September 27, 2022
- University / College: University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Language: English
- Downloads: 48
I. Physician Assistant JOB DESCRIPTION
Physician assistants are licensed and highly trained health care professionals that are skilled in the provision of patient evaluation, health care services and education. The physician assistants work with physicians to offer medical care or guidance needed by patients. Physician assistants perform a number of services similar to a physician (Everett et al, 2013). These include; preventative, health maintenance and diagnostic services (Robinson, 2009). The services may include (but are not limited to) the following; taking histories of health, conducting physical evaluations, ordering laboratory tests and X-rays, ordering a number of therapy treatments (like physical, occupational or respiratory therapies), conducting routine diagnostic examinations, diagnoses establishment, treatment and management of patient health issues, administration of injections and immunizations, counseling and instructing patients, provision of continued care to patients in different institutions like homes, hospitals and extended care facilities, provision of referrals in the health care structure, conducting minor surgery, acts as surgery assistants, and responding to emergencies (Cawley et al, 1983).
In terms of the Code of Ethics for physician assistants, every individual is expected to use their best judgement in particular situations while making considerations on patient preferences and the supervising physician. Additionally, a physician assistant must at all times consider the clinical information, legal obligations and ethical concepts. The main bioethical principles included in the code of ethics include, autonomy, nonmaleficence, justice and beneficence. Autonomy indicates the right of the patient to make an autonomous decision or choice. Physician assistants must respect these choices and decisions at all times. For Beneficence, the physician assistant must at all times act in the best interests of the patient. Therefore, ethics dictates striking a balance of acting in their interests and maintaining the patient’s autonomy. Nonmaleficence means that the physician assistant should do no harm to the patient. This also means that the physician assistant should avoid imposing unacceptable and unnecessary burdens to patients. Justice means fairness in treatment and service provision where patients in the same circumstances should receive the same care. Fair distribution of costs, risks and resources is also included in justice (Everett et al, 2013). While adhering to this code of ethics, physician assistants must at all times behave morally and legally. When facing ethical dilemmas, physician assistants must seek the guidance of the supervising physician or any other trusted sources like colleagues, hospital ethics board or read the AAPA policies.
II. EDUCATION /REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATION
Having a career in medicine, especially in physician assistance, is an enormous undertaking both financially and academically. In comparison to physician courses, physician assistant medical training is relatively cheaper. The usual in-state tuition fee for a public university physician assistant program is roughly $31200. On the other hand, private institutions more than double this amount and may go as high as $65, 500 (Nursing, 2004). Upon completion of this course, a student will receive a master of science in physician assistant studies (MSPAS) as well as completion certificates.
III. EMPLOYMENT
The future is bright for physical assistants. According to a recent survey by the US Bureau of Statistics, the profession holds approximately 75, 000 jobs in the economy. The study projected that the amount of jobs for the physician assistant profession is likely to shoot upwards by about 40% between now and the year 2022 (Cawley et al, 1983). The demand for physician assistants is high since there are reports of shortage of physicians. Due to the style of education in this field, physician assistants receive broad training in many fields of medicine (Cawley et al, 1983). This allows them to perform a variety of roles as assigned to them and following the limitations and scope under the supervising physician. They may change their specialties without necessarily undergoing through extra training. In this regard, the demand for this area of medical practitioners is very high. As seen above, the projected growth in this field is expected to shoot upwards at a radical pace. The 40% increment is higher than any other field in medicine. The median annual salary for physician assistants is $90, 900 (Zwijnenberg et al, 2012). The salary and remuneration depends however on the level of training and experience. The higher the training and experience, the higher the compensation for services offered. Experience is highly required for entry into the physician assistant profession and practice in most job requirement. However, in some instances, medical institutions pick graduates from renowned schools to work and gain experience as interns and attachés.
IV. PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
As seen earlier, the usual in-state tuition fee for a public university physician assistant program is roughly $31200 (Hilton, 2012). On the other hand, private institutions more than double this amount and may go as high as $65, 500 (Hilton, 2012). The cost of joining as a student in local, state and national organizations is relatively the same. Earning Continuing Educational Units (CEUs) is required for physician assistants (Everett et al, 2013). In every 2 years, every certified physician assistant must submit their 100 point credit CEUs. To gain continuing education requirements and earn CEUs, members of a professional organization may use e-seminars, live webinars; attend NCRA events and meetings, book tests, article tests and NCRA certification testing as well as college courses (Cawley et al, 1983). V. REFLECTION / PERSONAL CAREER PLAN
Medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, professionalism, patient care, and practice-based improvement and learning are essential elements of this profession. These are some of the elements that I have strength in. Medicine is a passion for me and having the ability to work in an area of medicine whether the future is bright presents a platform that favors my career plan. In order to enter this profession, one must have set out a clear career path. This will include goals and objectives. My goal and objective is to achieve career growth in medicine and more so in the profession of physician assistant. Short term plans include efficiency in patient care and development of medical knowledge. My long term plans and objectives are to attain professionalism and improve based on practice learning.
References
Cawley, J. F., Ott, J. E., & DeAtley, C. A. (1983). The Future for Physician Assistants. Annals Of Internal Medicine, 98(6), 993.
Everett, C. M., Thorpe, C. T., Palta, M., Carayon, P., Gilchrist, V. J., & Smith, M. A. (2013). Division of Primary Care Services Between Physicians, Physician Assistants, and Nurse Practitioners for Older Patients With Diabetes. Medical Care Research & Review, 70(5), 531-541. doi: 10. 1177/1077558713495453
Hilton, L. (2012). Extending your Practice. Dermatology Times, 33(2), 1-21.
Robinson, F. (2009). The new role of physician assistant. Practice Nurse, 38(9), 9-10.
What’s in a name?. (2004). Nursing, 34(6), 14.
Zwijnenberg, N. C., & Bours, G. W. (2012). Nurse practitioners and physician assistants in Dutch hospitals: their role, extent of substitution and facilitators and barriers experienced in the reallocation of tasks. Journal Of Advanced Nursing, 68(6), 1235-1246. doi: 10. 1111/j. 1365-2648. 2011. 05823. x