Similar to a doctor, a PA is qualified to provide primary care to patients. ... However, one key difference is that PAs often assist doctors during surgical procedures, but they themselves are not actually licensed to perform surgery. A PA works in partnership with, and under the supervision of, a licensed physician.

What kind of surgeries can PA perform?

We can perform procedures including injections, fracture reduction, radiologic and cardiac procedures, casting and more. PAs can assess, diagnose and treat, so they must have as robust medical knowledge as a physician.

Can a PA not perform surgery?

Some of the differences between PA and MD depend on where you're practicing (state/province/country), but, on the whole, PAs do not perform surgery (they can assist), they do not take on the most complex or acute medical cases, and they may or may not be able to prescribe medications (again, depending on location).