Chapter 10: Physician Assistant Flashcards
Emergency medicine
A medical specialty in which physicians care for patients with acute illnesses or injuries that require immediate medical attention.
Family practice
A medical practice that provides health care regardless of age or sex while placing emphasis on the family unit.
Geriatrics
Branch of medicine that deals with the problems and diseases of old age and aging people.
Gynecology
A field of specialization that focuses on women’s health.
Internal medicine
The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and (nonsurgical) treatment of diseases of the internal organs (especially in adults).
National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
Agency that offers certification for physician assistants via the PANCE exam.
Pediatrics
Medical care of infants, children, and young adults.
Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE)
Examination that graduates of physician assistant training programs must pass to be certified and licensed in their profession.
Primary care
Health care that focuses on prevention, early detection, and treatment and that takes general responsibility for individual patients.
Psychiatry
The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental and emotional disorders.
Surgery
The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of injury, deformity, and disease by making physical alterations to tissue; surgical treatments range from minor procedures such as inserting stitches into external wounds to aid the healing process to major, invasive procedures used to alter, repair, remove, or transplant internal organs.
Telemedicine
The use of electronic communications and information technologies to provide or support clinical care at a distance.
PA specialties
family practice, internal medicine, general surgery, emergency medicine, pediatrics, orthopedic surgery, thoracic surgery, and geriatrics.
What are the educational requirements to become a PA?
A college degree, some health care work experience, a 2-year educational PA program, and passing the PANCE for licensure.
