Background the concept of the physician assistant pa was developed by us physicians in the 1960s as a workforce strategy to improve the delivery of medical services then as now there is an anticipated shortage of physicians particularly in primary care use of pas is viewed as 1 possible strategy to mitigate this growing gap in provider services. Background the concept of the physician assistant pa was developed by us physicians in the 1960s as a workforce strategy to improve the delivery of medical services then as now there is an anticipated shortage of physicians particularly in primary care use of pas is viewed as 1 possible strategy to mitigate this growing gap in provider services objectives to describe the pa in us medicine for policy background and analysis description in january 2013 approximately . 1968 the american association of physician assistants 1971 the american medical association ama recognizes the pa profession the first six states pass legislation authorizing pa practice 1973 first national pa certifying examination is administered by the national board of medical examiners nbme 1977 pas in certified rural health clinics begin receiving medicare reimbursement . Physician assistants provide a variety of services including taking medical histories and performing physical examinations ordering and interpreting lab tests prescribing medications assisting in surgery and counseling patients the at still university department of physician assistant studies provides a learning centered education that develops exemplary physician assistants who deliver whole person healthcare with an emphasis on underserved populations the program is deeply committed