Which role is commonly abbreviated as PA and works under physician supervision to diagnose and treat patients who are not physicians?

• A. Physician Assistant (PA)
• B. Nurse Practitioner (NP)
• C. Clinical Pharmacist (PharmD)
• D. Medical Social Worker (MSW)

Answer: (A)

Physician assistants are licensed clinicians who provide medical care under physician supervision. They perform comprehensive patient exams, order and interpret tests, diagnose illnesses, develop treatment plans, and often prescribe medications in many settings. This collaborative, team-based role fits“diagnose and treat under supervision” exactly, which is why it’s described by the abbreviation PA. Other professions differ in their scope: nurse practitioners diagnose and treat and may work with varying levels of autonomy depending on the setting; clinical pharmacists focus primarily on medication management and may not diagnose; medical social workers address psychosocial aspects and care coordination rather than diagnosing or treating medical conditions.