Which medical professional diagnoses and treats under physician supervision and is trained in the medical model?

• A. Physician Assistant (PA)
• B. Nurse Practitioner (NP)
• C. Clinical Pharmacist (PharmD)
• D. Midwife (CNM)

Answer: (A)

Diagnosing and treating under physician supervision is characteristic of a medical-model clinician who works as part of a physician-led team to manage patient care. A physician assistant completes a medical-model education (typically a master’s program with extensive clinical rotations) and is trained to perform physical exams, diagnose illnesses, develop and implement treatment plans, order and interpret tests, and prescribe medications under physician supervision. This setup mirrors the physician-led approach to direct patient care, making the PA the best fit for the description.

Nurse practitioners are trained in the nursing model and, while they can diagnose and treat, their practice authority and supervision vary by state, often granting more autonomy in many settings. Midwives focus on obstetric and gynecologic care and are trained within the nursing framework, with practice centered on pregnancy and childbirth, though they collaborate with physicians as needed. Clinical pharmacists specialize in medication therapy and do not typically diagnose or manage broad medical conditions; their role centers on optimizing drug therapy with the patient’s care team.