Most dermatology physician assistants have little knowledge regarding dermatology and experienced regarding dermatology even after they have finished their PA training. This being the case, a dermatology physician assistant is not capable of caring for dermatology patients even after they graduate from the PA programs.
The dermatology physician assistant programs curriculum for physician assistant in dermatology does not guarantee that the PA can have the autonomy to see dermatology patients without the supervising physician. So most of the PA’s time will be spent in shadowing their supervisors who will be the ones to say whether they are ready to see patients on their own.
Once the supervising physician deems the dermatology physician assistant to be capable in seeing their own patients, they would be allowed to make consultations with patients but
within the presence of a supervising physician who will always be ready for consultation if the situation requires it.
Skills of Dermatology Physician Assistants
- Must have good communication skills
- Can work under pressure
- Must be knowledgeable in sterile technique
- Can perform incisions and minor repairs related to surgery
- Can do complex closures that involves grafts and flaps
- Knowledgeable in laser and other light-based treatments
Physician assistant dermatology work depends primarily on the duties and responsibilities that they have acquired from the training with their respective supervising physicians. The reason behind this is that they tend to develop the unique practices and preferences of their supervisors.
The job of a physician assistant dermatology revolves around the dermatology environment where the evaluation and treatment of common skin disorders like atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, warts and acne happen. As the physician assistant in dermatology goes on seeing patients, he or she will normally present the case to the supervising physician for needed diagnosis.
Dermatology physician assistant programs vary from school to school and they are governed by state laws and federal regulations. Although most states require that dermatology physician assistants work under the care of a supervising physician, since it is illegal for PAs to provide care without the direction of the supervising physician.
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