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

Assorted medications spiraling
August 22, 2025/Primary Care
How to Properly Dispose of Out-Of-Date Medications

Authorized take-back programs, services and drop-off locations are the best, safest way to get rid of expired medicine

Person sitting up in bed, under the covers, scrolling on phone and holding a cup of coffee
August 19, 2025/Primary Care
Is Bed Rotting Healthy?

This trendy practice may boost your physical and mental health — but done incorrectly, it could make things worse

Person in bed asleep, wearing a sleep mask over their eyes
August 12, 2025/Primary Care
Did You Know You Can’t Sneeze in Your Sleep? Here’s Why

If you’re sneezing, you’re definitely awake — you just don’t realize it

Person sitting on couch, breathing into a paper bag
August 8, 2025/Primary Care
Hiccups: Causes and 11 Ways To Get Rid of Them

Changing how you breathe, gargling water and distracting yourself are all common ways to stop your diaphragm from spasming

Woman with hair up, leaning over the toilet
July 31, 2025/Primary Care
Wondering What the Color of Your Vomit Means for Your Health? Consult This Chart

Seek emergency care for vomit that’s red, black, brown or resembles coffee grounds

Person with sore throat, standing in their bathroom at home
July 30, 2025/Primary Care
How To Heal a Sore Throat After Throwing Up

Forceful vomiting and stomach acid in your esophagus can cause a sore throat that lasts days or even weeks

Older person standing in living room grasping hip in pain
July 30, 2025/Chronic Pain
What’s the Difference Between Acute and Chronic Pain?

Acute pain goes away with treatment, while chronic pain is long-lasting and can be complex to manage

Person spraying bug repellent on their arm
July 28, 2025/Primary Care
No, Vanilla Extract Isn’t the Mosquito Repellent You’re Looking For

Vanilla extract won’t keep mosquitoes away for long, if at all — and could even attract other bugs, like wasps or flies

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