Physicians complete a 4 year program after college that ends with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) degree. They then complete an internship and residency program in a specialty field of medicine: Family Practice, Surgery, Emergency Medicine, etc. They take a licensing examination (Boards) and are licensed by the state to practice medicine. They can diagnose and treat all sorts of illnesses, though there are some restrictions based on specialty.

Nurse practitioners (NPs) are Registered Nurses who complete a Master's level program in a specialty area: Family Practice, Adult Practice, Geriatrics, Pediatrics, Midwifery, or Anesthesia. They hold a license to practice nursing, and are also certified as nurse practitioners. They can diagnose and treat many illnesses, and their care includes not only the practice of nursing, but some over lap into the practice of medicine as well. However, NP's practice is focused on wellness while physicians are medical scientists interested chiefly in the study of disease and its treatment. NPs focus on illness prevention, and the holistic care of the person, well or ill.

Nurse practitioners have limitations on their practice, and their practice is overseen somewhat by a physician partner. However, NPs have their own licenses and do have considerable independance from doctors.

Physician assistants are usually Master's prepared (tho there are some BS programs still around) health care providers. They can diagnose and treat minor illnesses and injuries, and can be trained to assist specialists such as orthopedists or surgeons. They often take on rounds, admissions, and assist with treatment of patients. They work under the direct supervision of physicians and have no independance in their practice. They hold a certification, not a license. They cannot operate outside the practice of their physician employer, unlike NPs. They do not have to have any prior health care experience, though many PAs are former paramedics.

NPs are great if you want a personal touch in your health care. They are good at talking to patients and their families, and establishing strong relationships with their patients. Their experience as nurses gives them an edge over PAs, IMHO. PAs can have good bedside manners, but they often miss nuances that allow them to diagnose and treat effectively, unless they have a lot of experience.

Physicians are who you want to go to if you have complicated illnesses that require careful management. NPs can manage many chronic illnesses such as diabetes or heart disease, but physicians have greater training in other disease processes for those who are seriously ill. However, NPs do work closely with physcians in the treatment of all kinds of disease so your milage may vary. And many physicians still have great bedside manners and are involved with their patients.

thela: fantastic job of explaining the roles.

I would rather see an NP, too. Although I have known some good PAs, I am still not all that crazy to see on for medical care.