Health Professions Exam
Primary care providers or practitioners (PCPs) include: correct answersPhysicians, Advanced Practice
Registered Nurses, and Physician Assistants practicing in family medicine, general pediatrics, internal
medicine, and geriatrics.
What do physicians and surgeons do? correct answersDiagnose illnesses and prescribe and administer
treatment for people suffering from injury or disease. Physicians examine patients, obtain medical
histories, and order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests.
What are the two types of physicians? correct answersMedical Doctor (MD) and Doctor of Osteopathy
(DO)
Although both MDs and DOs may use all accepted methods of treatment, including drugs and surgery,
what do DOs emphasize? correct answersDOs place special emphasis on the body's musculoskeletal
system, preventative medicine, and holistic patient care.
What is a medical school training that is specific to DOs? correct answersOsteopathic Manipulative
Medicine (OMM), which is a hands-on approach used to treat discomfort, pain, or limited range of
motion from injury or disease.
What do anesthesiologists focus on? correct answersThe care of surgical patients and pain relief.
General internists usually treat who? correct answersAdult patients
Who do general pediatricians work with and what do they do? correct answersThey care for the health
of infants, children, and adolescents. They specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of
ailments specific to children and teens and track growth into adulthood.
Who are OB/GYNs and what do they specialize in? correct answersThey specialize in women's health and
are responsible for women's general medical care, and they also provide care related to pregnancy and
,the reproductive system. They also specialize in childbirth, which includes treating and counseling
women throughout their pregnancy.
Psychiatrists are... correct answersThe primary mental health providers; they assess and treat mental
illnesses through a combination of psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, hospitalization, and medication.
What are hospitalists? correct answersA new specialty for physicians which specializes in general internal
medicine or family practice, with a smaller percentage focusing on pediatrics?
What does Hospice and palliative medicine focus on? correct answersPatients with life-limiting or serious
health conditions with a goal of managing pain and other symptoms to the greatest extent possible.
What is important about Palliative care? correct answersIt is part of hospice but also an important part
of care to treat symptoms associated with a serious chronic illness, such as Parkinson's, ALS, and GBS.
Most physicians work where? correct answersSmall, private offices or clinics, often assisted by a small
stand of nurses and other administrative personnel.
Education to become a physician: correct answersFour years of undergraduate, four years of medical
school, and 3-8 years of internship and residency, depending on the specialty selected.
Licensure to become a physician: correct answersTo qualify for a license, candidates must graduate from
an accredited medical school, complete residency training in their specialty, and pass written and
practical exams.
Podiatrists specialize in what? correct answersIn the medical and surgical care of the foot, ankle, and
lower leg problems
Podiatrists treat... correct answersA variety of foot and ankle ailments, including calluses, ingrown
toenails, heel spurts, and arch problems. They also treat foot and leg problems associated with diabetes
and other diseases. They also treat wounds.
, Where do podiatrists work? correct answersOffices of other health professionals or in group practices
with physicians. Others work in private or public hospitals and outpatient care centers and routinely care
for residents in nursing and assisted-living facilities.
Education requirements to become a podiatrist... correct answersMust earn a Doctor of Pediatric
Medicine degree and complete a three-year residency program; must be licensed. Must have a 4-year
degree from an accredited undergraduate program.
Do podiatrists have to be licensed in every state? correct answersYes; usually, podiatrists must pay a fee
and pass the American Podiatric Medical Licensing Exam
List three examples of advanced nurse practices: correct answersNurse anesthesiologist, Nurse
midwife, and Nurse Practitioner.
What are physician assistance trained to do? correct answersProvide routine diagnostic, therapeutic, and
preventive healthcare services under the direction and supervision of a physician.
What are a PA's responsibilities? correct answersTake medicine histories, examine patients, order and
interpret laboratory tests and X-rays, and make preliminary diagnoses.
What are the leading medical specialties using PAs? correct answersFamily practice, internal medicine,
general surgery, emergency medicine, pediatrics, orthopedic surgery, thoracic surgery, and geriatrics.
Education required for PAs: correct answersPA programs usually last about 2 years, and require two to
four years of college with some work experience in the healthcare field.
PA licensure: correct answersAll jurisdictions require PAs to pass the PA National Certifying Examination;
to remain certified, PAs must complete 100 hours of continuing medical education every 2 years.
List three attributes of successful physician assistants. correct answersBeing able to stand on your feet
for long periods of time, have a desire to help patients, and must have good bedside manner, emotional
stability, and the ability to make quick decisions in an emergency.
