Being asked by family members why they see a PA, not a doctor
As the only medical professional in my entire extended family, I have done a lot of work explaining to them my job role and training. I have been a PA for 6 years. They seem to grasp the concept… until they ask me things which make me question how much they really understand. For the record, the following conversations have occurred between me and very close relatives of mine who I spend a lot of time with:
I have been asked why they only see a PA and not a doctor at their visits, if a primary care PA would know what to do during their well-visit, and why don’t the PAs just do the little follow-up result visits.
It is hard to not take it personally that my family members are not confident about the care they receive from a a PA even though they seem to highly respect my work.
Posted Feb 23, 2026, 5:54 AM UTC