Physician assistant practice in Minnesota; providing care as part of a physician-directed team.

Physician assistants (PAs) practice medicine with physician supervision, which allows physicians to see more patients and concentrate their efforts on the needs of those with complex medical conditions. Physician assistants have been practicing in Minnesota since 1970. They work in a variety of settings and specialties, although most are in primary care practices. This article profiles the PA profession and describes the type of work PAs do, the training and credentialing required to become a PA, and the relationship between physicians and PAs.