NATIONAL PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS DAY
Fast Facts
- WHAT
- Recognizes and honors the vital role PAs play across our healthcare system
- WHEN
- Celebrated each year on October 6, during National Physician Assistants Week
- STAT
- There are currently over 168,000 board-certified PAs nationwide
- VIBE
- Appreciative, Supportive, Thankful
NATIONAL PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS DAY
Every year on October 6th, we celebrate National Physician Assistant Day as a time to recognize and honor the vital role Physician Assistants play across our healthcare system. Join us as we show our support for the group of extraordinary medical professionals known as PAs.
#NationalPADay
Physician Assistants, or PAs, are versatile and highly skilled medical professionals who diagnose illnesses, develop treatment plans, prescribe medications, and perform clinical procedures in nearly every specialty and setting. Celebrated on the October 6 anniversary of the first graduating PA class from Duke University Medical Center in 1967, National Physician Assistants Day celebrates over 168,000 board-certified PAs nationwide.
PAs serve on the front lines of patient care every day ensuring patients receive comprehensive, timely care when they need it most. Their clinical expertise and collaborative approach help bridge critical gaps in healthcare access, reduce patient wait times, and improve overall patient outcomes.
The Impact of Physician Assistants
Family Medicine & Primary Care
PAs manage long-term patient care, conduct routine check-ups, diagnose common conditions, and handle preventative health for patients across all age groups.
Surgical Specialties & General Surgery
PAs play a primary role in the operating room as first-assistants during procedures, managing pre- and post-operative patient care. They often oversee hospital rounds, which include orthopedics, cardiothoracic, and neurosurgery.
Emergency Medicine
PAs triage emergency cases in the ER and perform urgent procedures, including laceration repairs, suturing, and setting fractures. They also order diagnostic imaging and stabilize acute patients.
Internal Medicine
PAs in internal medicine handle complex adult healthcare in both outpatient clinics and hospital wards. They focus on chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and multi-system illness.
Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
PAs combine clinical care with procedure-based treatment in Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. They diagnose musculoskeletal injuries, perform casting, administer joint injections, and assist in surgeries.
Dermatology
PAs perform skin exams, diagnose conditions like eczema or skin cancers, take biopsies, and perform minor cosmetic or surgical procedures.
Urgent Care & Hospital Medicine
PAs work on the front line of walk-in clinics and directly in hospital units. They manage acute, non-life-threatening illnesses and coordinate inpatient admissions and discharges.
HOW TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS DAY
To all the PAs in our community, we thank you for your unwavering dedication, clinical excellence, and deep commitment to your patients. Your adaptability, empathy, and hard work make a profound difference in keeping us healthy.
Thank your PA on social media using the hashtag #NationalPADay and #PADay.
THE CREATOR OF NATIONAL PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS DAY
National PA Day was first established in 1987 by the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) to honor the growth of the profession. The October 6 date marks the graduation of the very first PA class from Duke University Medical Center in 1967. the PA program was founded by Dr. Eugene A. Stead, Jr. to address national healthcare shortages and assist physicians with patients. Interestingly, October 6th is also Dr. Stead’s birthday.
