PA roles in a tertiary medical center

This study describes the common elements of PA roles within tertiary medical centers, and compares physicians' perceptions of PA utilization with those of the PAs they supervise. The sample included 23 PAs employed by a university-based tertiary care center and a university-affiliated VA medical center. Variables examined included employment settings, patients seen, hours worked, and other job descriptors. Descriptions of the tasks performed by the PAs were also acquired. The results suggest that PAs employed in tertiary care settings contribute substantially to the provision and continuity of patient care, particularly in the area of patient education.