Understanding educational pathways for NP, PA

twogirls
Fri, 28 Jan 2022 22:53:48 +0000

My daughter shadowed pediatric orthopedic surgeons at a teaching hospital, and also had the opportunity to talk with the PAs. The PAs told her that their role was to bring the patient (and parent) in, do a case history, a physical exam, and come up with a possible diagnosis. Following this…the patient would be brought to the MD, who would review the PA notes, confirm the PAs diagnosis, and come up with a treatment plan. The MD was responsible for the treatment plan, which was very complex.

The MDs and PAs seemed to work very well together, and my daughter felt that there was a mutual respect between the two. One PA told my D that he was “frustrated” by the PA job, and that he wanted to do more. This career is highly specialized- some PAs might not be happy with the limitations.

My D also shadowed a pediatrician, where she also had the chance to shadow the NP.

Very often, the pediatrician is the first place parents bring their kids if they suspect developmental delays, speech, autism, etc. Parents also come to the pediatrician when their kids have eating disorders, anxiety, behavioral concerns, etc. Pediatricians (not developmental pediatricians) are not necessarily more knowledgeable in these areas than NPs. It really depends. And of course…MDs have training that others do not have.

I think it’s helpful to shadow MDs, PAs, and NPs in a variety of medical practices (if permitted), and to also have an idea as to how long you will be in school.