Editing Physician assistant (section)

{{Short description|Mid-level health care provider}}
{{distinguish|Assistant physician}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{Disputed|date=April 2023}}
{{Globalize|article|USA|2name=the United States|date=April 2023}}
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A '''physician assistant''' or '''physician associate''' ('''PA''') is a type of [[non-physician practitioner]]. While these job titles are used internationally, there is significant variation in training and scope of practice from country to country, and sometimes between smaller jurisdictions such as states or provinces. Depending on location, PAs practice semi-autonomously under the supervision of a [[physician]], or autonomously perform a subset of medical services classically provided by physicians.<ref name="auto">{{cite web |title=Where PAs and Physician Associates Can Work Internationally |url=https://www.thepalife.com/physician-assistants-pas-and-associates-around-the-world/ |website=The Physician Assistant Life |date=11 December 2018 |access-date=May 10, 2023}}</ref>

The educational model was initially based upon the accelerated training of physicians in the United States during the shortage of qualified medical providers during [[World War II]].  Since then, the use of PAs has spread to at least 16 countries around the world.<ref name="auto"/><ref>{{Cite web |title=History of the PA Profession|publisher=[[American Academy of Physician Assistants]] |date=n.d. |access-date=13 June 2022 |url= https://www.aapa.org/about/history/ }}</ref> In the US, PAs may diagnose illnesses, develop and manage treatment plans, prescribe medications, and serve as a principal [[healthcare provider]]. In many states PAs are required to have a direct agreement with a [[physician]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=What is a PA? - Frequently Asked Questions|url=https://www.aapa.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/FAQs_NewLayout_August2019.pdf|access-date=2021-04-03|publisher=[[American Academy of Physician Assistants]]}}</ref> 
In the UK, PAs were introduced in 2003. They support the work of the healthcare team, but are dependent clinicians requiring supervision from a physician.<ref name="sheikh">{{Cite news |title=Operose Health: UK's biggest GP chain replacing doctors with less qualified staff |last1=Sheikh |first1=Rahil |last2=Mole |first2=Charlie |last3=Holder |first3=Sam |website=BBC News |date=13 June 2022 |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-61759643}}</ref> They cannot prescribe medications nor request ionising radiation investigations (e.g., x-ray) in the UK.<ref name=":2" />  PAs are widely used in Canada.  The model began during the [[Korean War]] and transitioned to the present concept in 2002.  Skills and scope of privileges are similar to those in the US.<ref name="auto"/>
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