NEOS Physician Assistant Receives National Advanced Certification

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LOCAL PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT RECEIVES NEW SPECIALTY CREDENTIAL

Johns Creek, GA, February 19, 2013, 2013–Edward Pacitti, PA-C, of West Springfield, MA was recently awarded a Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) in Orthopedics from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). He earned that distinction by meeting licensure, education and experience requirements and then passing an exam in the specialty.

Mr. Pacitti, who is employed by New England Orthopedic Surgeons, is the only the second PA in Massachsetts to earn a CAQ in orthopaedic surgery since the inception of this new specialty credential in 2011. He is the only one to earn the prestigious credential in 2012

"With the growing shortage of doctors, increases in patient populations and intensifying demand on our health care system, certified PAs are needed more now than ever,” said Pamela M. Dean, NCCPA’s acting president and CEO. “With the CAQ, PAs can more easily document their expertise and showcase their commitment to their profession and to their specialty."

Certified PAs are licensed and certified health care professionals who practice medicine in partnership with one or more physicians and bring a breadth of knowledge and skills to patient care. Though their role in any particular workplace is determined in consultation with the supervising physician, certified PAs can take histories, conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventative health care, assist in surgery, perform a variety of procedures, and write prescriptions.

For more information about certified PAs or the CAQ program, visit www.nccpa.net.

About the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants

The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants(NCCPA) is the certifying organization for physician assistants in the United States. Since its inception as a not-for-profit organization in 1975, more than 100,000 physician assistants have been certified by NCCPA, and more than 90,000 are certified today. In addition to its CAQ program, NCCPA also administers initial and recertifying exams, and has an established program for certification maintenance.