Find out what it means to be a dermatology PA.
Physician assistants (PAs) in dermatology evaluate, diagnosis and treat a broad variety of conditions that are treated both medically and surgically. They also perform screening exams, preventive care and education for dermatologic patients and families.
Building on their primary-care training and experience, PAs are trained in dermatology in a variety of ways. Most dermatology PAs are trained in the clinic by the collaborating dermatologist and together the physician -PA team will decide the practice style, collaboration agreement, and delegation of services which they find appropriate for their practice.
Most PAs work autonomously within a dermatology office much like a staff dermatologist seeing a wide range of medical, surgical and cosmetic patients but always with the support of a board certified or board eligible dermatologist.
PAs get additional education through their required CME hours, attendance at AAD, SDPA and other dermatology based conferences, tumor boards, dermatology grand rounds and self-study courses. Some PAs hold a master’s degree in PA studies with a concentration in dermatology. Many PAs lecture at university PA programs and offer dermatology rotations to PA students; some are dermatology clinical preceptors to family practice residents.
Source: Society for Dermatology Physician Assistants
Last updated : 12/22/2022