Locations:
SearchAdvertisement
The Short Answer from one of our experts
A: Physician assistants (PAs) team up with your doctor and other healthcare providers to care for you. They earn a master’s degree after completing an intense medical curriculum from an accredited physician assistant program (often housed in a medical school).
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
Physician assistants graduate as medical generalists. They may practice in a primary care setting or a specialty setting, teaming up with a physician or a surgeon. They can assess, diagnose, treat, prescribe medication, and educate you about health conditions and about wellness.
As our population ages, physicians will rely more and more on physician assistants and other advanced care practitioners, such as nurse practitioners, to improve access to quality medical care.
— Cleveland Clinic Education Institute Executive Dean James Young, MD
Advertisement
Learn more about our editorial process.
Advertisement
Tetanus is easy to prevent but tough to treat — vaccines are your best defense
This satisfying, involuntary act of yawning and stretching helps release tight muscles
Bug bites create tiny openings in your skin that can let in dangerous bacteria
Being short on fluid causes hormonal imbalances, brain fog, sleep issues and more
Kissing bugs are insects that can carry a dangerous parasite that causes Chagas disease
The risk of infection makes fast and thorough treatment critical
Your surgeon isn’t trying to be mean — eating before surgery can raise your risk of aspirating, vomiting and more
Just 10 to 30 minutes of sunlight provides vitamin D, boosts your mood and may even help you sleep better
If you’re feeling short of breath, sleep can be tough — propping yourself up or sleeping on your side may help
If you fear the unknown or find yourself needing reassurance often, you may identify with this attachment style
If you’re looking to boost your gut health, it’s better to get fiber from whole foods
