Who manages routine patient care in collaboration with practicing physicians?

The role of a Physician Assistant (PA) is centered around providing routine patient care while collaborating closely with practicing physicians. PAs are trained to perform numerous responsibilities, including conducting physical examinations, diagnosing and treating illnesses, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and assisting in surgery. They work under the supervision of a physician and are integral to the healthcare team, enhancing patient care and ensuring that patients receive timely treatment.

In contrast, the other professions focus on specific roles within the healthcare setting. For instance, Physical Therapists assist patients with rehabilitation and physical movement, but they do not manage routine patient care in the same collaborative way with physicians. Surgical Technologists prepare for surgeries and assist during procedures but do not directly engage in ongoing patient management. Radiologic Technologists focus solely on performing imaging examinations and do not participate in the broader aspects of routine patient care. Thus, the scope of a PA's responsibilities aligns best with the task of managing routine patient care collaboratively with physicians.