Physician Assistants
The Lipscomb Clinic uses the services of physician assistants, working in conjunction with our physicians, to enhance a team approach to patient care. Our physician assistants enable us to offer high quality medical services and to maintain a more personal and caring relationship with each patient.
Pat Harvey Examines A Patient
A physician assistant (PA) has completed a specially designed program planned to complement the training of physicians. In addition to college education and previous health care experience, the PA completes a two year training program. After graduation, the physician assistants take a national certification examination. On passing the exam, the physician assistant may use the title "PA-C" which stands for Physician Assistant Certified. To maintain this certification the PA must complete 100 hours of continuing medical education every two years and take a recertification exam every six years.
Physician assistants are qualified to perform physical examinations, diagnose and treat musculoskeletal problems, order and interpret x-rays, suture wounds, set fractures, and assist in surgery.