Who is a Physician Assistant (PA) in India?
Definition by the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions, India:
“A Physician Associate or Physician Assistant is a person who performs essential clinical and administrative tasks to support patient care. Trained in a medical model, PAs are qualified and competent to deliver preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic services under physician supervision.”
Roles and Responsibilities of PAs in India
Physician Assistants (PAs) in India are trained to perform a wide range of essential healthcare functions. Their responsibilities are categorized into clinical tasks, administrative duties, collaborative practice, and preventive care.
Clinical Skills
PAs conduct physical exams, diagnose illnesses, order and interpret tests, and develop treatment plans. They are also trained to perform various procedures such as wound care, suturing, and minor surgeries.
Administrative Duties
In addition to clinical work, PAs handle essential administrative tasks, supporting healthcare operations and ensuring efficient patient care management.
Collaborative Role
PAs work closely with physicians and other healthcare providers, contributing to a team-based approach to ensure comprehensive, patient-centered care.
Preventive Care
PAs play a critical role in health education, providing guidance on disease prevention, promoting health awareness, and encouraging lifestyle changes for long-term well-being.
Training and Education of PAs in India
Physician Assistants undergo rigorous education combining classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training. PAs in India can pursue a Bachelor’s degree as entry-level, with options to advance through Master’s and PhD programs for those aiming to deepen their expertise.
PA School Curriculum in India
First Year
Foundational subjects including Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Professionalism, Communication, Computer Skills, Soft Skills, Community Orientation, and Clinic Introduction.
Second Year
Focus on Pharmacology, Pathology, and core clinical specialties like Medicine, Surgery, ENT, Ophthalmology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Psychiatry, Dermatology, Pulmonology, and Orthopedics, with clinical postings and training in medical communication and basic research.
Third Year
Advanced specialties including Pediatrics, Emergency Medicine, Nephrology, Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, Cardiology, Neurology, GI Surgery, and Urology. Includes clinical ethics, healthcare management, and thesis research.
Fourth Year (Internship)
Practical experience with rotations in Medicine, Surgery, and Community Medicine, focusing on specialties of the student’s choice.
Where Do PAs Practice in India?
Physician Assistants play a versatile role across numerous clinical specialties, including:
- Clinical Specialties: Cardiology, Neurology, Urology, Nephrology, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, General Medicine, Critical Care, Rheumatology, Oncology, Orthopedics, Pediatrics, Pulmonary Medicine, Breast Surgery, Transplantation, ENT, Neonatology, and Emergency Medicine.
- Surgical Specialties: Neurosurgery, GI Surgery, Orthopedics, Head & Neck Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Spine Surgery, and Oral Maxillofacial Surgery.
Non-Clinical Fields: PAs also contribute to healthcare outside of direct patient care in roles such as:
- Administration
- Pharmaceuticals
- Biotechnology
- Medical Device Companies
- Medical Writing
- Electronic Medical Record (EMR) Management
- Academics
- Medical Informatics
- Research