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Physician assistants aid in reducing health care disparities by Brant W. Turner Physician Assistant Student According to the federal government, the inability of segments of the population to receive adequate health care is so pervasive, that taxpayers—the people who support public health care programs—may face higher health care costs in the future.    The National Healthcare Disparities Report states that health care disparities are pervasive in this country. The report reveals that health disparities can be found in many different populations, not just in ethnic communities. The report also states that improving access to health care is possible.   Because they are often the first point of contact for many patients, physician assistants (PAs) can play a significant role in helping patients understand their medical needs and empower them to become effective advocates for themselves.    From rural America to urban communities, PAs are working with patients and caregivers to enhance access to care and to serve as a conduit of information on pressing health issues.    Physician assistants are licensed health professionals who practice medicine as members of a team with supervising physicians. PAs deliver a broad range of medical and surgical services to diverse populations in rural and urban settings. As part of their comprehensive responsibilities, PAs conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventive health care, assist in surgery, and prescribe medications.   During the week of Oct. 6-12, PAs  and PA students around the United States , including the faculty and students of MUSC’s Physician Assistant Program, will celebrate National Physician Assistant Week. It was on Oct. 6, 1967, that the first class of PAs graduated from Duke University in North Carolina.    The PA class of 2007 will celebrate the start of PA week from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 6, in the MUSC horseshoe and CHP atrium. Hot PaPa John's pizza for $1 per slice, cold canned soft-drinks and home-made baked goods will be available while the Class of 2007 promotes the PA profession and health care disparities awareness.    As the United States struggles to deal with the issue of health care disparities, PAs are able and willing to play a critical role in providing quality care to all, regardless of race, ethnicity, or ability to pay.   For more information about the South Carolina Academy of Physician Assistants, visit http://www.scapapartners.org on the web.   For more information about the PA profession or health care disparities, visit the American Academy of Physician Assistants Web page at http://www.aapa.org. Friday, Sept. 30, 2005 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.