What is the role of a supervising physician in relation to a Physician Assistant?

The role of a supervising physician is primarily to provide oversight and direction to the Physician Assistant (PA) in their practice. This includes ensuring that the PA is operating within their scope of practice, adhering to established protocols, and maintaining the standards of care. The supervising physician is responsible for guiding the PA’s clinical decision-making and ensuring that the PA is proficient in the skills and knowledge required for their role.

This oversight involves regular communication and collaboration, allowing the physician to mentor the PA, offer support, and provide input on complex medical situations. It is vital for the supervising physician to be available for consultations and to review patient care decisions made by the PA, fostering a relationship that enhances patient safety and care quality.

In contrast, the other roles described in the other options do not align with the primary responsibilities of a supervising physician. While marketing support and financial management are important aspects of practice management, they do not fall under the purview of clinical supervision. Moreover, conducting all patient follow-up appointments is not a necessary function of supervision; rather, it could limit the PA's ability to practice independently within their scope. Thus, the focus on oversight and direction aligns well with the supervisory role intended for physicians working with PAs.