National PA Week: Appreciating Those Who Make a Difference
Let’s Recognize the PAs Who Help Power Emergency Medicine
In recognition of National Physician Assistant Week (external link), our department proudly celebrates our Physician Assistants and the vital role they play across our department, university, hospital partners, and most importantly, in the care of our patients.
Observed each year from October 6th – 12th, PA Week recognizes the contributions of physician assistants across healthcare. The dates have historical significance: the first class of PAs graduated from Duke University’s pioneering program on October 6, 1967. National PA Day was later established in 1987 and expanded to a full week in 2004.
Today, PAs are licensed medical professionals who practice across virtually every specialty and care setting. They evaluate and diagnose patients, order and interpret tests, develop treatment plans, prescribe medications, perform procedures, assist with surgery, and work alongside physicians and other members of the healthcare team to provide patient-centered care.
In EM especially, PAs are an essential part of the care team, helping evaluate and treat patients across a wide range of illnesses and injuries while supporting the fast-paced, collaborative environment required in the emergency department.
Their expertise, flexibility, teamwork, and dedication are essential to the work we do every day. We are grateful for their continued commitment to our department, our clinical partners, and the patients and communities we serve.
To all of our PAs: thank you for everything you do. We appreciate you!