Meet Cheryl Jaros, PA-C

Q: What is a Physician Assistant?

A: A physician assistant (P.A.) is a licensed health professional who practices medicine under the supervision of a physician. A physician assistant provides a broad range of health care services that were traditionally performed by a doctor. As part of the physician/P.A. team, a physician assistant exercises considerable autonomy in diagnosing and treating illnesses.

What a physician assistant does varies with training, experience, and state laws. In general, P.A.'s can provide approximately 80 percent of the services typically provided by a family physician or specialist. They perform physical exams, diagnose illnesses, develop and carry out treatment plans, order and interpret lab tests, suture wounds, assist in surgery, provide preventive health care counseling, and in 39 states, including Rhode Island, can write prescriptions. A P.A. can do whatever is delegated to him/her by the supervising physician and allowed by law. In most states, a P.A. can treat patients when the physician is away from the practice.

The scope of the P.A.'s practice corresponds to the supervising physician's practice. For example, In a dermatology office, the P.A. would be skilled in surgical techniques, perform pre- and post-operative care, and be able to perform special tests and procedures. Furthermore, the P.A. would be trained in diagnosing and treating a variety of dermatologic disease states.

Q: What is the difference between a P.A. and a physician?

A: Physician assistants are trained in the medical model. In some schools they attend many of the same classes as medical students. One of the main differences between P.A. education and physician education is not the core content of the curriculum but the amount of time spent in school. The length of a P.A. program is about two thirds that of medical school. Physicians also are required to do an internship, and the majority also complete a residency in a specialty; P.A.'s do not have to undertake an internship or residency. A doctor has complete responsibility for the care of the patient; P.A.'s share that responsibility with the doctors. Doctors are independent practitioners; P.A.'s practice medicine under the supervision of a physician.

Cheryl Jaros

Undergraduate degree:

University of Rhode Island
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology - 1980

Graduate degree:

University of South Alabama, Master of Health Sciences
Certification in Physician Assistant Studies - August 1999

Professional Experience:

My career in Dermatology began August 1999 when I started practicing in Raleigh, North Carolina where I stayed until May 2005. Initially, I worked for 1 year at Raleigh Dermatology, opening a satellite office within a day spa. The emphasis was on cosmetic concerns of patients and I performed procedures such as microdermabrasion and chemical peels.

In July 2000, I left to broaden my clinical skills and knowledge and stayed 5 years at Wake Dermatology. During this time I became adept at evaluating and treating patients with a wide range of dermatology complaints and concerns. I also performed procedures such as cryotherapy, biopsies and minor excisions.

I am a native Rhode Islander having grown up in Cumberland. I am happy and excited to be back near family and friends. I feel privileged to serve the health care needs of my patients and look forward to practicing here in Rhode Island.

Certifications:

Licensed by the Rhode Island Department of Health - April 2005

Professional Affiliations:

Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants - Fellow member
Florida Academy of Physician Assistants- Fellow member