U.S. Army Physician Assistant
Overview
U.S. Army Physician Assistants provide a variety of services to troops that are traditionally performed by physicians. As an officer in the Medical Specialist corps, they play an important role in improving the overall quality of life for Soldiers and their families. Within a physician-PA relationship, PAs exercise significant professional autonomy in medical decision making and provide a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services.
Job Duties
- Delivers primary and specialty medical care with physician supervision
- Performs comprehensive exams and prescribes medications
- Counsels patients and obtains medical histories
- Interprets lab tests and x-ray results
- Supervises combat medics and performs as a medical section/platoon leader
- Advises on medically-related matters pertinent to unit readiness for missions
- Functions as medical staff officer at various levels
- Serves as commander of companies, battalions, brigades and medical treatment facilities