WHAT IS A PA?

What is a Physician Assistant?

Certified physician assistants (PA-C) are medical providers trained formally in primary care and graduating from one of over 100 accredited academic programs in the United States.  Most Physician Assistant Programs last 24-27 continuous months and use the medical school model.  PA’s are trained to provide diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventative healthcare services as delegated by a physician.  Working as members of the healthcare team, they take medical histories, examine, and treat patients, order and interpret laboratory tests, make diagnoses and prescribe medications.

PA’S in Dermatology

Physician Assistants have been providing a wide variety of services in the dermatology field for over 30 years.  Building on their primary care training, most PA’s in dermatology are trained on the job by their supervising physician.  PA’s can treat many common dermatological conditions such as acne, eczema, and warts to name a few.  In addition, all PA’s have suture training and can perform biopsies and simple excisions.

Continuing Education

All states require PAs to pass the Physician Assistants National Certifying Examination.  Only those who have successfully completed this exam may work as a PA.  In order to remain certified, PAs must complete 100 hours of continuing medical education every two years and pass a recertification exam every six years.


Benefits of seeing a Physician Assistant

 Often times, Physician assistants have schedules that are more flexible for patients.  This allows for patients to be seen sooner and most PAs offer appointments for patients to be seen the same day they call.  In addition to flexible schedules, physician assistants often have more time to spend with patients to answer any questions a patient may have regarding their diagnosis or treatment plan. 

PA's at Florida Skin Center
Currently, FSC has one physician assistant, Shirisha.  She has been working with Dr. Badia for over seven years.  Shirisha sees new patients as well as follow up patients.  She also does many of the surgical procedures at the office.  In addition, Shirisha does specialized treatments such as sclerotherapy, laser treatments, and PRP for hair loss.  
Shirisha looks forward to seeing you at your next visit.