What type of professionals are Physician Assistants (PAs) primarily licensed to collaborate with?

Physician Assistants (PAs) are primarily licensed to collaborate with doctors, as their role is designed to work under the supervision of physicians. This collaboration allows PAs to provide a wide range of healthcare services, including taking patient histories, conducting physical exams, diagnosing and treating illnesses, and prescribing medications, all within the framework of the supervising physician's practice.

The PA's training is deeply rooted in the medical model, and they are prepared to perform tasks typically handled by physicians. While PAs can work with various healthcare professionals, including nurse practitioners and physical therapists, their most formal and direct collaboration occurs with physicians, as they share responsibilities in patient care and clinical decision-making. This relationship is critical for ensuring comprehensive and cohesive medical treatment for patients.

In contrast, while surgeons, nurse practitioners, and physical therapists are also integral to the healthcare system, the specific licensing and practice framework for PAs centers around their collaboration with physicians, which defines their scope of practice and operational context within healthcare teams.