Which professional, working under the supervision of a physician, takes medical history, performs routine physical exams and basic diagnostic tests, makes preliminary diagnostics, treats minor injuries, and prescribes and administers treatments?

• A. Physician's Assistant (PA)
• B. Medical Assistants (CMAs)
• C. EMT
• D. MD

Answer: (A)

A Physician's Assistant. PAs are trained to work under a physician's supervision and perform many clinical tasks that include taking medical histories, conducting routine physical exams, ordering and interpreting basic diagnostic tests, making preliminary diagnoses, treating minor injuries, and prescribing or administering treatments under supervision. This combination of duties under supervision distinguishes them from others: Medical Assistants typically handle administrative tasks and only basic clinical duties without diagnosing or prescribing; EMTs provide emergency prehospital care and don’t perform routine clinic exams or prescribe; MDs are physicians who diagnose and treat patients independently (though they may supervise PAs).