Which professionals, working under the supervision of physicians, prepare patients for exams, take vital signs and medical histories, assist with procedures and treatments, perform basic lab tests, prepare and maintain equipment, and/or perform secretarial-receptionist duties?

• A. Medical Assistants (CMAs)
• B. Physician's Assistant (PA)
• C. Psychiatrists
• D. Doctor of Medicine

Answer: (D)

The duties described align with Medical Assistants. They work under physicians and perform a mix of clinical tasks and administrative duties: preparing patients for exams, taking vital signs and medical histories, assisting with procedures, performing basic lab tests, preparing and maintaining equipment, and often handling front-d desk responsibilities. Physician Assistants also work under physicians but typically have a broader clinical scope, including more autonomous patient assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning (and sometimes prescribing), rather than the administrative-receptionist tasks highlighted. Psychiatrists are clinicians specializing in mental health, and Doctors of Medicine are physicians who may supervise staff but aren’t defined by performing these support tasks as a primary role.