A physician is a licensed health care professional who diagnoses, treats, operates, or prescribes for any human disease, pain, injury, deformity, or physical condition.
PAs provide a wide range of care within the area of practice of the supervising physician.
While New York State requires a minimum of two years of postsecondary education prior to medical school, most applicants admitted to medical school have a minimum of a bachelor's degree. Medical programs include studies in basic and medical sciences. In addition, licensed physicians pass a State-approved licensing examination. In addition, PAs have passed a comprehensive licensing examination. Medical licensure is based on completion of medical school, appropriate residency training, and passing of the licensing examination.