
A physician assistant in the United States, Canada and other select countries or physician associate in the United Kingdom (PA) is an Advanced Practice Provider (APP) who is educated in general medicine and trained to practice medicine. PAs may practice autonomously and independent of physicians or collaboratively with physicians depending on the legislation in the state or province in which the PA practices. In cases where PA collaboration is required, physicians do not need to be on-site with PAs and collaboration or supervision often occurs via electronic means when consults are necessary. The scope of practice of PA's varies by jurisdiction and healthcare setting. Although the title of Physician Assistant in the United States and Canada consists of the word assistant, the role rarely involves assisting physicians. The profession is currently exploring a title change to better describe the modern role of PAs. The title Physician Associate or Associate Physician has been favoured by many in the profession, similar to the recent title change in the United Kingdom. Other advocates are also proposing other options such as the titles; Medical Practitioner, Medical Care Practitioner, Associate Medical Practitioner, Clinician, Praxician and Paraphysician.