Physician Assistants. I have worked as a Physician Assistant for about two years now, and I absolutely LOVE what I do. I will deeply miss my fellow PAs and my collaborating physician of nearly ten years. The next step is to join the Physician Assistant Exam Scholars. They’re not just “mid-level providers” or “physician extenders.” They’re highly competent clinicians who will make the practice of medicine better for our patients and for our health care system. That’s why they call them Physician Assistants. So, I worked my last day at my dream job a few weeks ago. While we welcome prospective PAs, this sub is aimed primarily at working PAs. This is a subreddit to share information about Physician Assistants (PAs). By Brian Palm. Here is a question I get asked all the time: Is PA school difficult? It depends on the individuals involved and the training/level of skill of the PA. As an R. N., I had LPNs working with me that I supervised. For a sub that is specifically geared towards pre-PAs, check out: r/prephysicianassistant. But the not so great e.g. Physicians, it’s time for us to stop demonizing PAs and NPs. While I am sad to leave, I know it's time for me to move on. This sub is open to PAs, MD/DOs, NPs, Nurses, any other medical professional, or even the general public. November 15, 2018. The PA’s job is to assist the doc where needed, see the lesser acuity patients, free up the doc’s time to do what he/she needs to, get more patients seen and hopefully improve patient satisfaction and practice profitability along the way - under the supervision of a physician. Of course, in many ways, it is equally as rigorous as medical school. This month we’re covering ways to make you study better — more than that. Ed Friedman, a physician assistant, has been the sole health-care provider in Redfield, Iowa, population 835, for the past three decades. Prior to pursuing this career, I spent years researching exactly what PAs did in the medical field and shadowing PAs in numerous specialties. Most were great and I loved working with them. Ways to make you smarter! I'll take a couple of months before I look for a new position. If you need a list of reasons to become a PA, repeatedly voted one of the best (and most needed) healthcare professions in the future, we have you covered. Is PA school hard? This one is a doozy. It may be the best professional experience I ever have. Do Doctors Hate Physician Assistant It would depend on the doctor. It’s a fact. But for the most part no. 9 Reasons to Become a PA. Join this fast-growing profession now. When a patient asks a physician assistant for a “real doctor,” an argument similar to that of an NP can be put forward. If you’ve got something to study than the May issue is for you. Whenever I pick up the doctor's line, I ask them if they are the physician, if they are not the physician, I tell them I'm not going to take the prescription and to transfer me to the physician. Medical Assistants, I hate them with a passion. For a graduate of a PA program to start practicing as a PA, they need to pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE). That’s where the meat is. I do not have a shadow of doubt in my mind that this is exactly the right career choice for me. The didactic part of PA school (your first year) is made up of traditional academic classes. Physician assistants are able to test for and diagnose COVID-19, as well as manage any other treatment options an ER patient in critical condition might need. In many ways, it is like studying for an important final exam for an entire year straight. Physician Assistants are an extension of the doctor.