What is the role of the physician's assistant?

Physician assistants do just as their name implies; they assist physicians in a number of functions, some of which include the following:

  • Obtaining the medical history
  • Examining the patient
  • Recommending therapy
  • Drawing blood
  • Ordering tests
  • Speaking with consulting doctors

 

Authored by: Steven C. Schachter, MD on 10/2013
Reviewed by: Joseph I. Sirven, MD | Patricia O. Shafer, RN, MN on 10/2013