1. Becoming a Physician assistant
LyLy Le, PA-C

2. 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.

3. What is the starting pay rate

4. 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
- American Academy of Medical Colleges
- tuition varies between schools and whether you are in-state or out of state. This is just a ballpark estimate.

5. Do PAs have to go through a residency program?
American Association of Surgical Pas (AASPA)
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.

6. 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.

7. 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

8. What is it like to be supervised by a Doctor?

9. 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.

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

11. 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.

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

13. American Academy of Medical Colleges: https://students-residents. aamc