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AFSC 42G4, Staff
AFSC 42G3, Qualified
AFSC 42G1, Entry

Specialty Summary. Performs primary medical care and clinical duties with the direction of a physician. Related DoD Occupational Group: 6H.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Provides primary or specialty medical care with the cognizance or supervision of a physician. Provides services by collecting data required for diagnosis and performing procedures and services as authorized by AFI 44-102, Community Heath Management and as approved by the Credentials Review Committee. Obtains and evaluates medical histories, performs physical examinations, performs therapeutic and diagnostic procedures, and orders laboratory studies, radiographs, electrocardiograms, and other special examinations. Collects specimens for pathologic examination. Analyzes and interprets data, formulates problem lists, and establishes plans for solution of clinical problems. Counsels patients on medical problems, use of drugs, expected effects of treatment, family planning, child care, diet, and other therapeutic health maintenance matters. Makes entries in patient’s permanent medical records. In emergency situations, administers lifesaving procedures and medications pending availability of physician. Procedures include cardiopulmonary resuscitation, treatment of life endangering traumatic injuries, defibrillation, insertion of endotracheal tubes, and administration of whole blood, oxygen, and other emergency medications.

Coordinates patient care. Coordinates patient care with other members of health care team. Initiates consultation requests to other health professionals to provide more comprehensive patient management. Accomplishes narrative summaries and other documentation.

Instructs other members of the health care team. Instructs other personnel assigned to health care team on preventive medicine programs and other appropriate medical activities and functions, or as directed by a physician.

Specialty Qualifications:

Knowledge. Knowledge is mandatory of: anatomy; physiology; emergency medical treatment; surgical techniques; sterilization and aseptic techniques; medical ethics; administration of drugs; operation of therapeutic and diagnostic equipment; medical terminology; and specialized medical treatments and procedures.

Education. For entry into this specialty, graduation from a Physician’s Assistant Training Program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education programs (CAAHEP) and acceptable to the Surgeon General, USAF, is mandatory. Certification by the national Committee on Certification of Physician Assistants is required.

Training. None.

Experience. For award of AFSC 42G3, a minimum of 24 months of experience in Physician Assistant assignments is mandatory. Also, experience is mandatory in providing primary medical care under the cognizance or supervision of a physician.

Other. A qualified AFSC with a suffix is authorized upon completion of an additional residency or fellowship program related to the suffix and acceptable to the Surgeon General, HQ USAF.

Specialty Shredouts:

A..................... Orthopedics
B..................... Otolaryngology
C.....................General Surgery
D.....................Perfusionist
E.....................Emergency Medicine
F .....................Oncology/Bone Marrow Transplant

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Above Information Derived from AFMAN 36-2105