The Marshfield Clinic Physician-Assistant Concept

Abstract

Over a five-year period (1965–1970), 16 "physician assistants" were used in general surgery, neurosurgery, orthopedics, oncology, diabetes, gastroenterology and ophthalmology, and in screening patients without appointments. Salary ranges were from $600 to approximately $1,000 per month, plus fringe benefits. Five of those initially in the program have terminated their employment or shifted to other health-care areas. Acceptance among patients is good. The physicians working with such "assistants" have to be able to define what can be delegated, with continued maintenance of good quality patient care. The relation of physician and assistant — not a job classification or licensure requirement —has to be evolved with close co-ordination between one, or at most two, physicians and a given "assistant."