Physician Assistant Specialties - Explore Career Options for PAs

Physician assistants have the opportunity to work in various settings and specialize in a wide range of medical and surgical services. It's important for PAs to choose a specialty that aligns with their interests and skills. Dr. Rebekah Thomas, the chair and program director of the Physician Assistant Studies program at PCOM, advises PAs to consider several factors when choosing which specialty to pursue. Firstly, PAs should think about whether they prefer the inpatient or outpatient setting, as well as whether they enjoy working in the operating room or performing hands-on procedures. Another important consideration is the work schedule, as some specialties may require shift work. Dr. Thomas also suggests considering the areas where PAs believe they can make the most impact and provide the greatest service to patients in need of healthcare. However, the most crucial factor, according to Dr. Thomas, is personal satisfaction and fulfillment. PAs should choose a specialty that brings them the greatest feeling of satisfaction and allows them to positively impact others. There are numerous specialties that physician assistants may pursue. These include family medicine, emergency medicine, surgery, dermatology, psychiatry, orthopedics, cardiology, gastroenterology, neurology, and otolaryngology. Each specialty offers unique opportunities to diagnose, treat, and contribute to patient care. To choose a specialty, PAs should complete a self-assessment by considering their personal interests, values, and skills. Clinical rotations during their PA programs also provide valuable hands-on experience in different fields, helping them determine their preferences. It's beneficial for PAs to find a mentor or join a professional network to gain insights and connections within the field. Thoroughly researching different specialties is important to understand their scope of practice, responsibilities, work environment, and other considerations such as salary and work-life balance. It's important to note that the PA profession is versatile, allowing PAs to explore additional interests, take on a second clinical position, or even change specialties as they progress in their careers. Being open-minded, embracing new opportunities, and learning from every experience can lead to fulfilling and rewarding careers in medicine. Remember, your first job as a PA does not have to be your last. As you gain experience and exposure to different aspects of healthcare, you can choose to explore other areas of interest. The versatility of PA training allows for flexibility and the opportunity to adapt to evolving interests and goals in the field.