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What is the pathway for a physician assistant to specialize?
I know that MD's and DO's attend residencies and fellowships but I can't seem to find any information regarding how PA's specialize. I have read that they can specialize in pretty much any field but would that require them to attend a PA residency (if they exist) or do they just get hired into a certain area such as emergency medicine?
2 Answers
- NLv 71 decade agoFavorite Answer
Lexa misunderstands the PA profession. We are not grunts. We can manage difficult cases and perform more than just "simple" procedures.
There are some PA residency programs for those interested in surgery, emergency medicine, critical care and some other specialities. These residencies are limited and accept only several candidates a year.
Most places are willing to train a new PA and that is how most PAs come to specialize.
I was straight out of school with no prior experience and was hired to work in the ICU and perform procedures. Now I do most of the vascular access procedures in the hospital and the physicians call me to assist them.
Source(s): PA surgical / trauma critical care - Anonymous1 decade ago
That's because they DON'T SPECIALIZE.
Physicians assistants are GRUNTS. They see whatever patients their boss (MD) happens to be specialized in...
They can function in ANY specialty, because all they do is the simple stuff. Sutures, antibiotics, admissions for diabetes/heart problems/etc. Anything really heavy they turn over to the MD.
Source(s): ER nurse
