Gregory House, PA-C: Anesthesiologists: Are they using their own gas?

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Anesthesiologists: Are they using their own gas?

Maybe it's that more anesthesiologists visit The Underwear Drawer that other specialities, but it seems none of them know the role of PAs. The only people that have said unintentionally (or intentionally) disrespectful things about the PA have been anesthesiologist. What gives?

2 comments:

Michelle Au said...: Hey Greg,

I think you are taking this too hard. There was no disrespect intended, nor was anything implying that PAs are not "professionals." I think the semantics ("para-") get sticky in medicine because unlike in other fields with paraprofessionals like law or education, EVERYONE in medicine is licensed to do what they do, from the MDs to the PAs to the NPs to the RNs to the RTs...you can go all the way down the line. Everyone is a professional, everyone is licensed, we are just licensed to do different things, and we all have different scopes of practice.

I work with PAs every day (mostly surgical and anesthesia PAs) and I know very well their role and value in the hospital and patient care. And when I introduce myself to patients, I always tell them that I'm "part of the anesthesia team" so that it's clear from the outset that it's a group effort in which everyone has a role.

Now go hit the books so you can graduate with flying colors and come play with the rest of us!; 2:39 PM
Gregory House, PA-C said...: I'm sorry I started all of that nonsense on your comment section! Everything after that initial comment was really directed more towards those other commenters. I know that you didn't mean anything badly by it. I just wanted to clarify for all the other people that read your blog who aren't aware of this totally ambiguous profession. Thanks!; 9:58 PM

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I was a very confused child in the beginning. First I was into psychology, then it was forensics, then I wanted to do medschool, then osteopathic medschool. Finally, I had a moment of clarity and decided on Physician Assistant school because above all else, I enjoy having a life.

I did the college thing and have a B.S. in Biomedical Science to prove it. My next step was getting a job. After 10 days of searching I landed a Medical Assistant job. The most satisfying part of this was how infuriated my friends got with the brevity of my job search.

The job tore me down. I was almost fired within the first 2 weeks for reasons that are unclear. I was made to feel useless and hopeless. This was a good thing. I learned how to take uncalled for harassment. In the end I became the go to person to train new assistants. Most importantly I developed tough skin and am all the more prepared for school. Speaking of which, against all odds, (17 rejections and 1 acceptance) I got accepted by my top choice Master's program for Physician Assistant Studies.

The current challenges that face me: 1. Getting through PA school, 2. (the more difficult) Evolving into an Urban dweller from my strong Suburban roots.

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