Physician Assistant. a person who is trained, certified and licensed to perform history taking, physician examination, diagnosis and treatment of commonly encountered medical problems, and certain technical skills, under the supervision of a licensed physician, and who thereby extends the physician's capacity to provide medical care.
A mid-level provider. They are required to have a Bachelor's degree and then attend a rigorous 3-year training program mainly instructed by physicians. They are not physicians, but in most states have similar rights and privileges. However, they must be supervised by a physician.