Although often innocent and seemingly trivial, improper use of syntax when referring to the 𝐏𝐇𝐘𝐒𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐍 𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐓 profession can have substantial implications.
Adding an apostrophe “s” to the end of the word physician transforms it into the possessive form, implying ownership. PAs do not belong a physician or serve as an assistant to the physician. They do however work collaboratively with physicians. 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐈𝐒 𝐀 𝐃𝐈𝐅𝐅𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄.
As a hopeful pre-PA student, improperly referring to your anticipated profession in a personal statement or interview can be detrimental to your chances as an applicant. PA school admission committees want students that are educated about the profession and have done their research.
Additionally, as a non-PA medical provider, improperly referring to your PA colleague as a “physician’s assistant” may have a negative impact on your relationship (even though it's often accidental and not out of malice).
The best thing we can do to advocate for the profession and its namesake is to 𝐄𝐃𝐔𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐄, 𝐄𝐃𝐔𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐄, 𝐄𝐃𝐔𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐄. Don't be afraid to politely correct someone, but do it tactfully and with respect.
〰️𝘠𝘖𝘜𝘙 𝘞𝘖𝘙𝘋𝘚 𝘏𝘈𝘝𝘌 𝘗𝘖𝘞𝘌𝘙, 𝘊𝘏𝘖𝘖𝘚𝘌 𝘛𝘏𝘌𝘔 𝘞𝘐𝘚𝘌𝘓𝘠〰️
I want to you know your opinion! Is it worth the fuss?
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