What other jobs can physician assistants do?
In addition to providing patient care in clinical settings, physician assistants (PAs) can also pursue a wide range of other career opportunities. Some examples of alternative jobs for PAs include:
Medical education: PAs can become educators and trainers, teaching in PA programs and continuing medical education (CME) programs. They can also serve as preceptors for PA students during their clinical rotations.
Research: PAs can become involved in research, working on projects related to patient care and outcomes, healthcare policy, and other areas of interest.
Administration and Management: PAs can work in a variety of administrative roles such as Medical Director, Director of Physician Assistant Services, and Managers of Physician Assistant Services.
Medical Writing: PAs can become medical writers, creating content for medical journals, websites, and other publications.
Consulting: PAs can provide consulting services to healthcare organizations, assisting with the development and implementation of policies and procedures related to patient care.
Telemedicine: PAs can work in a virtual setting, providing remote care and consultation to patients through telemedicine platforms.
Global Health: PAs can work as part of international healthcare teams, providing care and training in resource-limited settings.
These opportunities are not limited to PAs, many healthcare professionals with the right training and experience can pursue similar careers. Also, the availability of job opportunities might vary depending on the location and the specific field of interest.
Work from home
Work-from-home jobs for physician assistants may include telemedicine, remote case management, and virtual health coaching. These jobs typically involve using telecommunication technology to remotely provide healthcare services to patients, such as conducting virtual consultations and managing patient care plans. Some physician assistants may also work for healthcare companies in medical writing or coding roles, which can be done remotely. It is important to note that some states may have different regulations regarding the scope of practice for physician assistants working remotely.
Other examples of work-from-home jobs for physician assistants include:
Remote medical coding and billing
Virtual medical scribing
Remote medical research
Virtual medical education or training
Virtual medical writing and editing
Remote case management and patient coordination
Telehealth triage and follow-up care
Virtual medical consultation and diagnosis
Remote medical chart review
Remote medical monitoring and management of chronic conditions
Family doctor
A "family physician" or "family doctor" is a medical doctor who specializes in treating and caring for individuals and families across all ages and genders, providing comprehensive medical care for a wide range of common illnesses and conditions. They are often the first point of contact for patients seeking medical attention, and they typically coordinate care with other specialists as needed. They may also provide preventative care, such as physical exams and health screenings, as well as manage chronic conditions.
The salary of a family physician can vary depending on factors such as location, type of practice (e.g. private vs. hospital-affiliated), and years of experience.
Generally, family physicians tend to earn less than some other medical specialties, such as surgery or radiology. However, family medicine is still considered a well-paying profession. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for physicians and surgeons, including family physicians, is $251,000 in May 2020. Additionally, many family physicians choose this specialty for its work-life balance and the opportunity to build long-term relationships with their patients.