Locations:
Search IconSearch
January 29, 2021/Living Healthy/Primary Care

What Are Physician Assistants and How Do They Help You?

The Short Answer from one of our experts

Physician assistant on virtual appointment

Q: What are physician assistants and how do they help you?

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.

Related Articles

Person standing in their office in front of desk, rubbing their neck
February 4, 2025/Primary Care
For Relief, Pull the Trigger on a Trigger Point Massage

By focusing directly on your pain points, you may find short- and long-term relief with this type of massage

Person in sweater and knit hat facing window, with winter, snowy yard outside
February 3, 2025/Primary Care
Dry Air Can Negatively Impact Your Health — Here’s What To Do About It

Investing in a humidifier and keeping yourself hydrated can help you stay healthy despite dry air

Hand holding red capsule, with other hand holding glass of water
January 28, 2025/Women's Health
Magnesium Supplements for Period Cramps: Do They Help?

The research isn’t clear, but it’s safe to try this essential mineral for relief

Containers of medications with black box warning labels
January 17, 2025/Primary Care
What Is a ‘Boxed Warning’ on Medications?

‘Black box warnings’ on medications outline potential risks and important instructions

Assorted bottles of Rx medications with pills and capsules around
January 13, 2025/Primary Care
What Is a Generic Medication?

These similar versions of brand-name drugs are safe, effective and often less expensive

Open palm holding a white round pill and a white oblong tablet
January 10, 2025/Primary Care
Acetaminophen vs. Ibuprofen: What’s the Difference?

Though these painkillers work in different ways, they can both help reduce a fever and pain

Empty glass on blue table
January 7, 2025/Brain & Nervous System
Can the Glass Test Indicate Meningitis?

Pressing a glass on a rash provides some clues, but it’s not foolproof

Person frowning, with hand held up to their ear
December 31, 2024/Ear, Nose & Throat
Here’s How To Get Water Out of Your Ear Safely

Turning your head to the side and pulling your ear up and back is one common tactic for relief

Trending Topics

Person in bed sleeping on their side, covers off
Breathing Problems? Try These Sleep Positions

If you’re feeling short of breath, sleep can be tough — propping yourself up or sleeping on your side may help

A couple looking at skyline, with one person slightly behind the other, head bent down
What Is Anxious Attachment Style — and Do You Have It?

If you fear the unknown or find yourself needing reassurance often, you may identify with this attachment style

Glasses and bottle of yellow-colored prebiotic soda, with mint, lemon and ginger garnish
Are Prebiotic Sodas Good for You?

If you’re looking to boost your gut health, it’s better to get fiber from whole foods

Ad