Physician assistants work in a variety of settings and deliver a broad range of medical and surgical services. With more than 60 specialties to choose from, physician assistants (PAs) have many options for choosing a specialty that aligns with their interests and skills.
Rebekah Thomas, PharmD, PA-C, BCPS, BC-ADM, is the chair and program director of the Physician Assistant Studies program at PCOM. According to Dr. Thomas, there are several factors PAs should consider when choosing a specialty.
"They should consider whether they enjoy the inpatient or outpatient setting. They should also consider if they enjoy the OR or a setting that allows for hands-on procedures," she said.
Work schedule is another important consideration, Thomas advised. Some specialties require shift work while others do not.
"Additionally, I would consider the areas that they believe they have the ability to make the most impact and provide the greatest service to patients in need of healthcare," she said.
Most importantly though, Thomas said, is personal satisfaction and fulfillment.
"PAs should choose a specialty that brings them the greatest feeling of satisfaction and allows them to most positively impact others."
Here are a few of the specialties physician assistants may pursue:
With so many specialties to choose from, how can a PA determine which specialty might be a good fit?
It is important to consider your personal interests, values and skills when choosing a specialty. By identifying areas of medicine that are of special interest to you and determining if there are specific populations you’d like to work with, you can narrow down your options.
During your PA program, you’ll complete clinical training in various areas. This training is an ideal time to see what the daily work of physician assistants in different fields entails. This hands-on experience can help you determine what type of work you find most engaging and fulfilling.
Networking can provide valuable insights and connections in the field. By joining professional organizations, connecting with PAs in various specialties and attending conferences, you can meet other PAs who can provide guidance and share their experiences with you.
Take the time to thoroughly research different specialties. It is important to understand the scope of practice, responsibilities and work environment for the various specialties. Salary, career advancement potential and work-life balance may also be important considerations when choosing a specialty.
"Be open-minded,” Thomas said. “There are likely several areas of medicine that people will be drawn to and enjoy. Medicine is interesting, there is always something to learn. Medicine is rewarding, there are always patients in need of your care and attention. The clinical setting and colleagues and patients that you interact with can make the experience fulfilling. Be open to new things and learn and grow from every opportunity. You will find there are several settings that you could thrive in."
Whatever specialty you choose, keep in mind that your first job as a PA does not have to be your last. Physician assistants may choose to explore other areas of interest as they gain experience and exposure to other aspects of healthcare.
According to Sean T. Guinane, DHSc, PA-C, DFAAPA, associate professor and assistant director of PCOM's Physician Assistant Studies program, an advantage of the PA profession is the versatility of the training.
"Following the generalist approach, PAs become knowledgeable in treating the whole person. As PAs progress through their career, it's not uncommon for a PA to explore additional interests by taking a second clinical position, or even changing specialties completely," he said. "It's a great benefit for those who know there will be several areas of clinical practice they'd like to see, or enjoy the challenge of learning about something new during their career."
