PHYSICIAN EXTENDERS:

The goal of the physicians and staff at Orthopaedic Associates of St. Augustine is always the same: to maximize your total movement and performance so you can return the quality of life you deserve as soon as possible.

Patrick Thompson PA-C, MPAS	Matthew Bonin PA-C, MPAS	Scott Jones PA-C, MSM, AT-C	James Arendell PA-C	Arlow Bailey OPA-C	John Bendt OPA-C, R.T.(R), CST/CFA

From the conception of our practice Orthopaedic Associates has recognized the valuable role that Physician Assistants (PA’s) play in our patient care.  We would like to share some information that will help to define their role.

What is a Physician Assistant (PA)? Physician Assistants are health care professionals licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision.  As part of their comprehensive responsibility, PA’s conduct physical exams, diagnose, and treat illness, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventative healthcare, assist in surgery, and in virtually all states can write prescriptions.

How is a Physician Assistant educated? PA’s are trained in intensive education programs by the Accreditation Review Commission of Education for Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).  They are certified by the NCCPA (National Certification Commission of Physician Assistants). After undergraduates BA degree, a PA must be accepted into an extended medical training program. Because of the close working relationship PA’s have with physicians, PA’s are educated in a medical model designed to compliment physician training.  PA students are taught, as are medical students, to diagnose and treat medical problems.  PA’s are required to take ongoing continuing education classes and be retested on their clinical skills on a regular basis.  Physician Assistants are taught to “know our limits” and refer to physicians appropriately.

The relationship between a PA and the supervising physician is one of mutual trust and respect.  The Physician Assistant is a representative of the physician treating the patient in the style and manner developed and directed by the physician.  Orthopaedic Associates of St. Augustine feels our staff of PA’s and OPA’s are an essential part of the on-going care that we provide our patients.  They look forward to participating in your care.