physician assistant

English

Noun

physician assistant (plural physician assistants)

1. (capitalized when used as a person's title) A health care professional trained and licensed to perform a role similar to that of a physician but with somewhat narrower limits of authority; physician assistants and nurse practitioners have enough capabilities to be physician extenders, providing primary care and allowing physicians to spread their time across more patients.

   Synonyms: (abbreviation) PA, physician's assistant, physicians' assistant, physician-assitant

   Coordinate terms: NA, nursing assistant, nurse's assistant, nurses' assistant, nurse-assistant, nurse assistant