In cognitively demanding fields, there are no naturals. Nobody walks into an operating room straight out of a surgical rotation and does world-class neurosurgery. MALCOLM GLADWELL Patient approach Whenever a surgical provider approaches a patient, there are certain questions that…
Introduction Throughout history, many cultures have viewed mental illness as a form of religious punishment or demonic possession. In ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, mental illness was categorized as a religious or personal problem. During the Middle Ages, people believed…
History Pediatrics gained recognition as a distinct medical discipline in the United States in the mid-19th century as an appreciation of the burden of infant mortality and awareness of the unique vulnerability of children to certain diseases increased. Before that,…
Introduction From the beginning of the physician assistant (PA) profession, primary care has been a key focus in training PA students. The special health care needs of women are an essential part of primary care. PA students will provide care…
Learning outcomes 1. Describe the practice of internal medicine. 2. Define the role of the physician assistant student on an internal medicine rotation. 3. Describe the challenges and rewards of practicing in internal medicine. Introduction Internal medicine is a medical…
Introduction As a specialty in the United States, family medicine outnumbers all other medical specialties for both physicians and physician assistant (PAs). Physicians practicing in family medicine make up the largest percentage of the total physician workforce and, as shown…
Learning objectives After completing this chapter, the reader will be able to: 1. Review practical suggestions on maintaining personal safety when on clinical rotations. 2. Summarize the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations on universal precautions associated with…
Introduction to the clinical phase Welcome to the clinical phase of your education! This year is the critical link between being a student and graduate physician assistant (PA). Through the guidance of your preceptors, faculty, and peers, you will have…
Cultural competence The term cultural competence has a variety of definitions but perhaps the most relevant for physician assistants (PAs) is Betancourt‘s 2002 definition: Cultural competence in health care describes the ability of systems to provide care to patients with…
Introduction Patient education is an integral part of every health care interaction. It is one of the most powerful tools that a health care provider can use to influence positive changes in health and wellness for patients. Whether the patient…