What are the differences between a Physician Assistant and a Doctor in terms of responsibilities?
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1 Answer
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Physician Assistants and Doctors have distinct roles within the healthcare system, but they often collaborate closely to provide patient care. While both are essential to patient outcomes, their responsibilities differ, with doctors having more extensive training and independence.
Here's a comparison of their responsibilities in a table format:
Responsibility
Physician Assistant
Doctor
Training & Education
Requires a bachelor's degree and specialised training in clinical skills.
Requires a medical degree (MBBS) and longer residency training.
Independence in Practice
Works under the supervision of a doctor. Limited autonomy in decision-making.
Has full autonomy to diagnose, treat, and prescribe independently.
Scope of Tasks
Assists with patient exams, diagnosis, and treatment plans, but with doctor supervision.
Diagnoses, treats, and performs surgeries independently, overseeing all medical decisions.
Patient Care
Provides direct care, assists in surgeries, and follows up on treatments.
Leads medical care, manages complex cases, and performs surgeries.
Prescribing Medications
Can prescribe medications under the supervision of a doctor.
Can prescribe medications independently.
In summary, a Physician Assistant assists doctors in patient care with specific tasks, while doctors hold the ultimate responsibility for medical decisions and care.
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