Physician Assistant-Certified (PA-C)

A PA-C is a Physician Assistant-Certified — a graduate-level clinician who has completed an accredited PA master's program (typically 27 months of intensive didactic and clinical training across all medical specialties), passed the national PANCE board examination, and maintains certification through ongoing CME and 10-year recertification. PA education requires prior clinical healthcare experience before program entry — meaning PA-Cs enter their clinical training with real-world patient care experience.

Yes. PA-Cs have full prescriptive authority for all medications — including controlled substances in most states — and can independently order and interpret diagnostic tests. In Florida, where SPOKEmed operates, PA-Cs practice under a defined collaborative agreement with a supervising physician but exercise significant clinical independence in daily practice. Michelle prescribes GLP-1 medications, hormone therapy, peptides, and all lab orders at SPOKEmed.

MDs complete medical school (4 years) followed by residency (3 to 7+ years) in a specific specialty. PA-Cs complete a master's-level PA program (approximately 2 to 3 years) with broad clinical training across specialties — without the depth of a specialty residency but with the breadth to practice across multiple areas. In clinical settings, PA-Cs perform many of the same functions as physicians. The relevant question for patients is not degree but clinical expertise, experience, and credentials in the specific area of care — which for SPOKEmed is menopause, metabolic health, and weight management.