A Physician Assistant (PA) is a highly trained professional who works in a medical setting, carrying out procedures alongside or in some cases independent of Physicians. They are advanced practice clinicians who play an integral role in the healthcare system.   
   
PAs can work in any medical setting, and their responsibility is to advance and improve patients' access to health care across the country. It is important to note that PAs are not training to become Physicians, nor are they junior physicians, fellows, medical students, or residents. A Physician Assistant is a role independent of an actual Physician, but some duties may overlap.   
   
Some tasks that PAs carry out include assessing patients, performing physical exams, assisting in surgeries, gathering patients' medical history, and admitting or discharging patients. PAs are trained under the same medical model as doctors and work under a physician's direction to improve the health care system. 

Personality of a Physician Assistant 

• Empathetic  

Like any professional responsible for taking care of patients, a PA needs to be empathetic, compassionate, and caring. The goal for any PA is to improve their patient's wellbeing and make them feel like they are in the right hands. Patients can feel vulnerable, so it is important that, as a PA, you can care for them and provide the best support possible.   

• Responsible  

PAs must be reliable and accountable for their actions. Their patients' wellbeing is something they closely supervise, which means they need to stay organized. A PA's role will involve tasks that require exceedingly close attention to detail. PAs must take greater responsibility for their work, from the preparation stages to the cleanup.   

• Calm  

Like Physicians, PAs should possess a calm and collected demeanor. They must know how to work under stress and should be able to handle all situations in a reasonable way. Being patient and understanding will help a PA excel in their career.