They also treat minor problems such as lacerations, abrasions, and burns. Their duties are quite varied and depend largely on state laws that regulate their activities. The role of the physician assistant requires intelligence, good judgment, intellectual honesty, the ability to relate effectively with people, and the capacity to react in a calm manner in emergency situations. Areas of Specialization Most physician assistant programs offer a generalist curriculum which prepares graduates to work in general practice or specialty areas. After graduation, if they wish, physician assistants may acquire experience in a medical specialty such as geriatrics, pediatrics, obstetrics, occupational medicine, orthopedics, or surgery.
Most PAs work with physicians in private solo practices or group partnership practices.
Others work in hospitals, clinics, schools, home health agencies, nursing homes, prisons, and rehabilitation centers. Their schedules vary depending on practice setting. PAs in clinics usually work 40 hours each week. Those working in physicians' offices may be on-call or have to work evening and weekend hours. Many of these positions will be open in rural and inner city clinics which have difficulty attracting enough physicians.