The Physician Assistant (PA) is a medical professional who functions as a collaborative member of the healthcare team, providing a wide range of diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventative services. Understanding how to properly address these practitioners demonstrates respect for their specialized training and professional standing. This guidance provides protocols for the correct verbal and written address of a PA in various professional and clinical settings.
Defining the Physician Assistant Title and Credentials
The official title for the profession is “Physician Assistant,” often abbreviated to PA. This terminology indicates a medical provider who practices medicine collaboratively with physicians and other members of the healthcare team. The title reflects a medical partnership, not a subordinate clerical or administrative role.
The most recognized credential is PA-C, where the “C” stands for Certified. This designation confirms the individual has successfully passed the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and maintains certification through continuing medical education and periodic recertification. Although the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) has adopted the title “Physician Associate,” “Physician Assistant” and the PA-C credential remain the official standard in most state and federal regulatory settings today. The transition to “Physician Associate” is a complex process that will take time to fully implement across all jurisdictions.
Appropriate Verbal Address in Clinical Settings
The most respectful and universally appropriate verbal address in a clinical or formal setting is the professional title followed by the PA’s last name. For instance, a provider named Alex Smith should be addressed as “PA Smith.” This practice mirrors the convention used for physicians and other licensed practitioners, ensuring clarity and acknowledging their professional status.
Using the title “PA” as an honorific before the surname is the standard for introducing the practitioner to a patient or speaking about them in a formal context. If the PA introduces themselves using a social title, using “Mr.,” “Ms.,” or “Mx.” followed by the last name is also acceptable. While many PAs prefer to be addressed by their first name among colleagues, the professional title should be the default when interacting with patients or in a public forum.
A PA should not be verbally addressed as “Doctor” unless the individual holds a doctoral degree unrelated to their PA practice, such as a Ph.D. or Ed.D. Even then, using the PA title is recommended in clinical settings to prevent patient confusion regarding their role. The training and licensure of a PA, even those with a Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) or similar degree, are distinct from those of a medical physician (MD or DO).
Addressing a PA in Formal Written Communication
Formal written correspondence, such as professional letters or official documents, requires the use of credentials to denote the practitioner’s full qualifications. When listing the PA’s name on a letterhead or signature block, include the individual’s highest degree and the PA-C credential after their name. An example of this full formality would be “Jane Doe, PA-C, MS.”
For the salutation of a formal letter or email, the preferred method is to use the professional title followed by the last name, such as “Dear PA Doe.” This maintains professional formality while directly acknowledging their role. Alternatively, a social salutation like “Dear Ms. Doe” is acceptable, particularly if the correspondence is less formal.
Key Etiquette Rules and Common Mistakes to Avoid
A key rule of professional etiquette is to avoid abbreviating the title incorrectly, particularly by using a possessive apostrophe, such as “Physician’s Assistant.” The correct term is “Physician Assistant,” which accurately represents the collaborative nature of the role within the medical team.
A common oversight is confusing the PA role with that of a physician (MD/DO) or a nurse practitioner (NP). PAs are trained in the medical model, and their scope of practice is defined by their state of licensure and the medical facility where they work. Failing to use the “C” in the PA-C credential is also a mistake, as the “Certified” designation confirms the maintenance of national standards and competency.
If there is any uncertainty about how a PA prefers to be addressed, the most professional course of action is to simply ask them directly. Adopting the PA’s expressed preference, whether it is “PA [Last Name]” or their first name, ensures appropriate deference to their professional role.