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What is a Physician’s Assistant?Physician’s Assistants (PA’s) are healthcare professionals licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision. Physician Assistants are educated in intensive medical programs. There are currently more than 130 accredited PA programs. Because of the close working relationships PA’s have with physicians’ PA’s are educated in a medical model designed to complement physician training. To maintain national certification, (PA-C, or Physician Assistant Certified) each PA must complete 100 hours of continuing medical education (CME) every 2 years and pass a recertification exam every 6 years. Physician Assistants are found in every medical and surgical specialty including dermatology. Physician Assistants have been practicing with dermatologists for over 30 years. As part of the comprehensive responsibilities, PA’s in dermatology possess a wide variety of general dermatology and surgical skills. They conduct general skin exams, diagnose and treat skin conditions, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventative health care, assist in surgery and can write prescriptions. Dermatology PA’s are legally and ethically bound to practice only under the supervision of their employing physician.
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