physician assistant

physician assistant A midlevel practitioner who is able to practice medicine under the auspices of a licensed physician (MD or DO). Abbreviated PA. Although the physician need not be present during the time the PA performs his or her duties, there must be a method of contact between the supervising physician and the PA at all times. The PA must be competent in the duties he or she is performing, and the physician for whom the PA is working must also be licensed and trained to perform the relevant duties. All US states require physician assistants to complete an accredited education program and to pass a national licensing exam.