Occupation physician assistant

Physician assistants provide healthcare services under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication.

Tasks

• Examine patients to obtain information about their physical condition
• Analyse and interpret diagnostic test results
• Answer phones and patients' questions
• Make tentative diagnoses and decisions about care and treatment of patients
• Obtain, compile and record patient medical data, including health history, progress/development notes and results of physical examination
• Administer or order diagnostic tests, such as x-ray, electrocardiogram, or laboratory tests
• Prescribe, with physician's approval, therapy or medication
• Carry out therapeutic procedures, such as injections, immunisations, suturing and wound care, and infection treatment
• Advise patients on prescribed therapeutic regimens, normal growth and development, family planning, everyday emotional problems, and how to maintain health
• Assist physicians during surgery or complicated medical procedures, e.g. by holding equipment
• Supervise and coordinate activities of technicians and technical assistants

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