Who performs preliminary diagnosis and treats minor injuries?

The role of a Physician Assistant (PA) is particularly focused on providing a wide range of healthcare services, which includes performing preliminary diagnoses and treating minor injuries. PAs are trained to conduct physical examinations, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and develop treatment plans under the supervision of a physician. Their training allows them to work in various settings, including hospitals and outpatient facilities, where they often manage patients' immediate healthcare needs effectively.

In contrast, while Medical Assistants support healthcare providers with administrative and clinical tasks, they do not typically make diagnoses or treat patients independently. Doctors of Podiatry (DPM) specialize in foot and ankle conditions, and their expertise is specifically limited to podiatric medicine and surgery, which means they wouldn't cover a broader spectrum of minor injuries outside that area. Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) are fully licensed physicians who can diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries; however, they usually work at a higher level of medical practice and are not typically the first responders to minor injuries in the same context as PAs.

Thus, the primary function of a PA in preliminary diagnosis and treating minor injuries aligns perfectly with the responsibilities outlined in the question. Their extensive training in both diagnostics and treatment equips them to handle these scenarios effectively.