Becoming a Physician assistant LyLy Le, PA-C

What is a Physician Assistant? A licensed medical provider, who is able to perform physical exams, diagnose illnesses, and prescribe medications under the supervision of a physician. A physician assistant can practice in many medical fields after graduation. We are essentially an extension of the Physician. Physician Assistants may do what a physician may do, but always with a supervising physician.

What is the starting pay rate

Physician Assistant program or Medical School???? Some Questions I had to ask myself. Ultimately, what do I want to do? What lifestyle fits me best? Let’s be honest! PA School Medical School Duration 3 years 4years + residency Cost $70,000 $230,000 (4years) Average Salary $95,000 $198,000 Specialty Flexibility High low https://students-residents.aamc.org/financial-aid/ - American Academy of Medical Colleges http://www.thepalife.com/2015-physician-assistant-program-tuition-and-cost-comparison-table/ - tuition varies between schools and whether you are in-state or out of state. This is just a ballpark estimate. http://www1.salary.com/Physician-Assistant-Medical-salary.html http://www1.salary.com/Internist-Salary.html

Do PAs have to go through a residency program? American Association of Surgical Pas (AASPA) http://www.aaspa.com Why Attend a Residency Program Improve your ability to care for patients in all settings Develop the judgment and technical abilities in a specialized practice area Take advantage of more professional opportunities – many employers give preference to residency-trained PAs Gain both clinical and didactic knowledge that would take years of on-the-job training to master AASPA offers a special Residents membership, the first of its kind, which offers a blend of fellow and student memberships – all at a special discounted rated.

Can a PA prescribe medications in different states? Yes, but each state has different regulations. California: Delgation of Services Agreement Schedule II – V controlled substances.

Getting into PA school Who knows, what is required to get into PA school? Prerequisite coursework. You can choose any major! But you have to complete the prerequisites in order to qualify. Not all schools have the same prerequisites. You have to look up the prerequisites for each school individually. Most of them include: biology courses, general and organic chem with labs, biochem, anatomy and physiology with lab, microbiology with lab Medical experience. Not all schools require this, but it is highly considered. Clinical experience where you are in contact with patients. EMT, technicians, LVNs, CNAs, medical assistants…etc. shadowing doesn’t count , but it is a separate requirement GRE Letters of rec Caspa – central application service for pas. Personal statement

What is it like to be supervised by a Doctor?

Physician Assistant Program – South University 2-3year program 10 week “quarters”. No summer break!!! Master’s degree Didactic year Lectures/labs: 8am-5pm M-F 2-3 exams/quizzes every week Clinical rotations Primary care Cardiology OBGYN Emergency Medicine Psychiatry Internal Medicine General surgery Pediatrics This is information for South University. Different PA programs have different formats, but are very similar.

LyLy Le, PA-C Currently Employed: California Emergency Physicians Clinical Site: Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, Emergency Department Level I Trauma center

Physician Assistant in the ED Take Patient histories Perform physical exams Interpret lab results and radiographic images diagnose Perform procedures Suturing Splinting Incision and drainage Lumbar punctures Central lines** Chest tubes** Intubations** **these procedures I’ve done with a physician at bedside with me. This is all done under the supervision of a physician. They may not be there with you at all times, but they are there to consult if you need them.

Physician Assistant I’ve had a lot of jobs that I did not like.

American Academy of Medical Colleges: https://students-residents. aamc http://www.thepalife.com http://www1.salary.com http://aapa.org http://www2.paeaonline.org http://www.aaspa.com