Dermatology
Introduction Dermatology became a distinct medical subspecialty at the end of the 18th century; however, many dermatologic disorders were first described more than 2000 years ago. When confronted with a…
Emergency medicine
Patient approach Emergency medicine practitioners have one overarching goal for each patient: to answer the question, “Does my patient have a threat to life, limb, or sight today?” Emergency departments…
Behavioral science and medicine: Essentials in practice
Introduction Throughout history, many cultures have viewed mental illness as a form of religious punishment or demonic possession. In ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, mental illness was categorized as a…
Pediatrics
History Pediatrics gained recognition as a distinct medical discipline in the United States in the mid-19th century as an appreciation of the burden of infant mortality and awareness of the…
Women’s health
Introduction From the beginning of the physician assistant (PA) profession, primary care has been a key focus in training PA students. The special health care needs of women are an…
Internal medicine
Learning outcomes 1. Describe the practice of internal medicine. 2. Define the role of the physician assistant student on an internal medicine rotation. 3. Describe the challenges and rewards of…
Family medicine
Introduction As a specialty in the United States, family medicine outnumbers all other medical specialties for both physicians and physician assistant (PAs). Physicians practicing in family medicine make up the…
Success in the clinical year
Introduction to the clinical phase Welcome to the clinical phase of your education! This year is the critical link between being a student and graduate physician assistant (PA). Through the…