How may of you were treated by a Physician Assistant, and did you like the care given?

SrA Donald Dexter — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 03:26:22 -0500

I was a medic in the Air Force. That is where I first encountered physician Assistants. After working with them, I began to learn the full scope of practice and the quality care they provided to our troops, that I went on to become one myself.

I thank the military for this great career field that they created, for the over qualified medics from Vietnam era. It has allowed be to utilize my military taught skills, and to treat patients with respect, dignity, and compassion.

Response by SFC James Baber made Dec 13 at 2013 9:39 AM

SFC James Baber — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 09:39:59 -0500

To be honest I have experienced about 50/50 care from PAs, some are truly concerned with your care, while others are just checking the blocks to get to the next patient.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2013 10:45 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 10:45:17 -0500

I love having an Army PA in our TRADOC unit. Before she came here, Soldiers used to take advantage of kind, naive Air Force docs/nurses who would issue them a breathe-at-own-pace profile for anything. Our PA can sniff out BS--from students OR cadre--triages them before they can waste the Air Force clinic's time, streamlines our PHA process, and ensures that fit-for-duty and MEBs are completed in a timely fashion. The serial narcotic/profile/quarters-seekers probably like her less than I do.

Response by MAJ Joseph Parker made Dec 13 at 2013 11:08 AM

MAJ Joseph Parker — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 11:08:04 -0500

Most line units used to have a PA, and they were all great. As an Infantry unit CDR, the PA would quickly and quietly patch me up and keep me going without insisting on a profile, bed rest, etc. On the other hand, he kept the troops patched up well, too; and at their jobs; while keeping me very well informed of how they were really holding up as I pushed them to their limits during operations. One PA even stitched up my spouse's finger when she cut it at the Bn Cdr's house during an officer's social event. There may be some bad PAs out there, but I never met one!

Bravo, SrA Dexter! You are one of an honored lineage!

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2014 11:44 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Oct 2014 23:44:07 -0400

I have been under the care of two different PAs. One really cared about the welfare of Soldiers and tried all she could to refer them to specialists, physical therapy, etc. and would see Soldiers regularly. The new PA our Battalion has can never be found because she is too busy working hospital hours, cannot remember one Soldier from the other, has recommended almost ALL Soldiers receive medical boards out of the Army and doesn't seem to care at all what happens to her 'patients'. I think it is important to remember that a PA is not a doctor and you can have really good ones, or really bad ones. If you get a bad one, push to see another provider.