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Roles and responsibilities of physician assistants practicing in Mohs surgery

Samantha Gaffney1, Constance Goldgar, Mark Hyde

  • 1University of Colorado, Denver, USA.

JAAPA : Official Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants
|November 3, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Approximately 30% of American College of Mohs Surgery members utilize physician assistants (PAs). This survey details PA involvement and task delegation in Mohs surgery practices, highlighting an important aspect of surgical team integration.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Surgical Oncology
  • Healthcare Administration

Background:

  • Physician assistants (PAs) are increasingly integrated into surgical specialties.
  • Mohs surgery, a specialized skin cancer treatment, uniquely combines surgical and pathological roles.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of physician assistant (PA) utilization within the American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS).
  • To identify and categorize the specific tasks delegated to PAs working in Mohs surgery settings.

Main Methods:

  • A survey was distributed to members of the American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS).
  • The survey collected data on the number of PAs employed and the scope of their delegated responsibilities.

Main Results:

  • An estimated 30% of ACMS members currently employ physician assistants (PAs).
  • The study outlines the range of clinical and administrative tasks assigned to PAs in Mohs surgery.

Conclusions:

  • Physician assistants (PAs) play a significant role in contemporary Mohs surgery practices.
  • Understanding PA task delegation is crucial for optimizing surgical team efficiency and patient care in Mohs surgery.

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