Academics >> PA Program >> Profile of the Physcian Assistant Graduate

The Physician Assistant graduate of the Mercer University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences will be able to:

• Elicit an accurate and thorough medical history.
• Perform a complete and problem focused physical examination.
• Develop a diagnostic plan using medical informatics and evidence-based medicine.
• Initiate an individualized therapeutic management plan.
• Provide patient-centered verbal and written instructions.
• Accurately document medical records.
• Perform medical and surgical procedures consistent with a primary care physician assistant.
• Promote administrative, management, and research skills.
• Demonstrate a commitment to professionalism in all situations.
• Dedicate one's self to a process of life-long learning.
   

Competencies of a Mercer Physician Assistant Graduate

• Elicit a Medical History:
  • Provide a physical environment conducive to patient comfort
  • Establish rapport with patient (and/or family)
  • Recognize and interpret verbal and non-verbal cues
  • Elicit all relevant components of history to include: chief complaint, history of present illness, past medical history, social history, family history, and review of systems
  • Recognize cultural, behavioral, and demographic variances and make adjustments according to individual patient needs
     
• Perform a Physical Exam:
  • Explain the examination procedure to the patient (and/or family)
  • Ensure patient privacy and utilize chaperone when appropriate
  • Utilize skills of inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation
  • Measure and accurately record height, weight, and vital signs
  • Examine all appropriate systems to include: general, HEENT, respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, musculoskeletal, neurological, integumentary, endocrine, and lymphatic
  • Incorporate special exam techniques (e.g. Rovsing's sign) when indicated
  • Adjust exam process according to the patient's condition, setting, and special needs
     

• Develop a Diagnostic Plan:
  • Recognize normal from abnormal physical and behavioral findings
  • Carefully consider indications and contraindications for every diagnostic study
  • Order appropriate diagnostic test(s) with consideration for cost effectiveness, sensitivity, specificity, and relative patient risk
  • Discuss diagnostic plan with patient (and/or family) and obtain an informed consent when appropriate
  • Interpret diagnostic studies
  • Establish a differential diagnosis to include a working diagnosis
  • Consider use of physician consultation and/or referral
  • Establish a problem-oriented medical list
     
• Develop a Therapeutic Plan:
  • Apply principles of pharmacology and pharmacotherapeutics
  • Obtain input from other members of the health care team
  • Consider the patients overall medical condition, social circumstances, educational level, and ability to understand and carry-out the therapeutic plan
  • Discuss the treatment plan using the appropriate language level with the patient (and/or family)
  • Consider the use of non-pharmacological modalities as appropriate
  • Confer with patient (and/or family) concerning the appropriate follow-up plan
  • Adjust therapeutic management plan as appropriate
     

• Provide Patient Education:
  • Encourage patient participation concerning management plan and self-care
  • Instruct patient on health promotion and disease prevention
  • Educate patient on use of prescription and non-prescription medications and their potential side effects/interactions
  • Provide language specific patient education materials
  • Assist patient (and/or family) with available community services as well as access to tertiary medical centers
  • Educate patient and family members concerning their medical condition and expected prognosis
  • Provide crisis intervention when indicated
     
• Document Medical Records:
  • Record date and time of all medical encounters
  • Obtain accurate biographic data on each patient evaluation
  • Organize data in appropriate system sections of the history
  • Record patient history, physical examination, laboratory data, procedures, orders, etc.
  • Document the location and description of physical findings
  • Utilize the problem oriented medical record (POMR) and SOAP note formats
  • Use both written and oral (dictation) communication methods
  • Prepare summaries when indicated (discharge, surgical, etc.)
  • Obtain physician signature when appropriate
  • Utilize the electronic medical record
  • Consider use of telemedicine when available
  • Maintain strict confidentiality of patient’s medical record
     
• Perform Medical and Surgical Techniques:
  • Practice aseptic techniques and universal precautions
  • Perform wound management to include: irrigation, removal of foreign bodies, suturing, and dressing
  • Carry out first and/or second assist in surgery
  • Perform designated surgical procedures (e.g. biopsy)
  • Obtain specimens (blood, fluid, tissue)
  • Perform venous and arterial punctures
  • Apply and remove casts and immobilization splints
  • Administer medications via multiple routes
  • Perform basic and advanced cardiac life support
  • Use diagnostic equipment when appropriate
     
• Promote Administrative, Management, and Research Skills:
  • Comply with all practice/institutional, state, and federal laws and regulations
  • Analyze practice experience and advocate practice-based improvement activities
  • Use information technology (evidence based medicine) to support patient care decisions
  • Practice cost effective health care and resource allocation without compromising quality of care
  • Employ the appropriate system responsible for payment of services
  • Participate in a formal peer review process
  • Actively pursue scholarly research and teaching opportunities
  • Accountable for insuring a safe environment for the patient
  • Performs additional duties as directed by supervisory physician
     
• Demonstrate Professionalism:
  • Prioritize needs of patient over self
  • Project respect, compassion, and integrity
  • Maintain a professional relationship with physician supervisors and other health care providers
  • Recognize limitations and seek physician counsel
  • Protect and uphold patient confidentiality
  • Use clear and effective oral and written communication skills
  • Participate in service to the community and profession to include local, state,  and national organizations
  • Maintain accountability to patients, society, and the profession
  • Conduct regular self-reflection activities and initiate self-improvement techniques and strategies
  • Adheres to the AAPA “Guidelines for Ethical Conduct of the Physician Assistant Profession”
  • Follows current “Standards of Care” in providing all patient care services
     
• Commitment to Life-long Learning:
  • Maintain requirements for NCCPA certification
  • Participate in regular literature review and reading
  • Remain current in evolving medical/surgical trends and technology
  • Provide education to the community and/or profession
  • Engage in journal clubs and CME examination opportunities
  • Participate in standardized medical exams (e.g. PAKRAT) and seek improvement in areas of weakness