MCPHS PA Interview Exam Questions And

100% Correct Answers 2024-2025

What is the history of PA in US? - Answer o In US, the PA role came about in 1960s-70s,

coming from medics in Veterans' war-for vets returning to society this gave them a

place in society, a role to help them adjust to life out of war. o In between doctor and

nurse, building a bridge between trained medical professionals.

o PA profession originally created to expand healthcare and improve it

o In the mid-1960s physicians and educators determined there was a shortage of

primary care physicians

o Eugene A. Stead Jr., MD, of the Duke University Medical Center, put together the first

class of PAs in 1965

o Four Navy hospital corpsmen, who had received considerable medical training during

their military service were chosen to participate in the class

o Founded the program based on knowledge of fast-track training of doctors during

World War 1

o First class graduated from Duke on Oct 6. 1967

o PA concept gained federal acceptance and backing as early as 1970s to help relieve

the physician shortages

o Medical community provided abundant support of the new profession and spurred the

developed of accreditation status, national certification and standardization exam, and

continuing medical education requirements

Difference between PA and MD- Answer o PA is dependent practitioner, while MD is

independent o PA needs supervising physician o Generally, PA can change specialty

easily, which is not easy for an MD o PA assists during surgery while MD independently

performs

PA and NP difference - Answer o PAs train using the medical model, similar to

physicians in that they focus on the testing, diagnosis, and treatment of disease that a

patient has. o NPs train on the nursing model in that they focus on the testing, diagnosis,

and treatment of the patient with the disease.