An orthopedic physician’s assistant works with a licensed orthopedic surgeon in a hospital setting, performing physical exams, making diagnoses, assisting with surgery, and providing postoperative care. They require a bachelor’s degree, work experience, and completion of a licensed physician assistant program.
An orthopedic physician’s assistant is a highly trained healthcare professional who works with a licensed orthopedic surgeon in a hospital setting. He or she takes on many advanced responsibilities such as performing physical examinations, making diagnoses and assisting with clinical surgical procedures. After treatment, the assistant can fit the patient in a cast or brace and explain home care techniques. Many physician assistants act as the primary caregivers for patients, helping to reduce much of the workload for busy surgeons.
Orthopedics is a complex branch of medicine that focuses on problems with the musculoskeletal system. Patients who break bones, have birth defects, or suffer from degenerative diseases such as arthritis may need surgery to repair damaged tissue. An orthopedic physician’s assistant plays a vital role in determining exactly what is wrong with a patient and what types of treatment can help. The assistant is highly involved in the initial diagnosis based on the results of the x-ray, physical examination and complete patient history. He or she usually consults with a supervising orthopedic surgeon to ensure they are on the same page about the best treatment plan.
When a person is scheduled for surgery, the orthopedic physician’s assistant is usually responsible for preparing the operating room and informing the patient about the procedure. The assistant can describe the types of anesthesia to be used, the details of the operation itself and the risks involved. During the procedure, the orthopedic surgeon depends on the assistant to have tools, screws, sutures, and any other necessary equipment on hand when needed.
Postoperative care is also an important part of an orthopedic doctor’s job. An assistant can heal surgical wounds and apply splints and casts when needed. He or she also establishes physical rehabilitation programs and schedules follow-up visits to monitor the patient’s recovery.
To become an orthopedic physician assistant in most countries, a person needs to earn at least a bachelor’s degree with a medical focus, gain work experience in a healthcare environment, and complete a licensed physician assistant program. Most programs take about two years to complete and involve classroom study and hands-on training. Students take many of the same courses as prospective physicians enrolled in medical school. After completing a school program, a person usually needs to pass a regional or national licensing exam to obtain official physician assistant credentials.
Newly credentialed medical assistants can apply for jobs in hospitals and outpatient orthopedic health centers. A new worker can expect to spend several months in training with other assistants and surgeons to learn about specific policies, procedures, and legal issues. Professionals generally gain more responsibilities as they gain experience in the field. Some assistants choose to attend medical school while working to prepare them for future careers as orthopedic surgeons.
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