Carrie Powers, PA-C

Board Certified Physician Assistant

Education
B.S., University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC
Major: Biology

Physician Assistant Program
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, SC

Professional Organizations:
Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants
South Carolina Academy of Physician Assistants

Clinical Interests:
Managing and treating general dermatologic issues including: acne, contact dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis and skin cancer screening.

What is a PA?
A physician assistant (PA) is a highly educated health professional who is licensed to practice medicine with the supervision of a licensed physician. The relationship between the physician and the PA allows both to make better use of their time and training. Thus, more patients will get better health care that is centered around their personal needs. It is a team effort; the physician and PA work together to provide more patients with quality medical care.

Because of the close working relationship between PAs and Physicians, PAs are held to the same standards of practice and care, and taught to diagnose and treat medical problems using the same medical education model as physicians. Upon graduation, physician assistants take a national certification examination developed by the National Commission on Certification of PAs (NCCPA) in conjunction with the National Board of Medical Examiners. To maintain their national certification, PAs must log 100 hours of continuing medical education every two years and sit for a recertification exam every six years. Graduation from an accredited physician assistant program and passage of the national certifying exam are required for the state licensure.