The Army Physician Assistants (65Deltas) are more than just an “assist”. They provide patient care alongside physicians, AND they are responsible for a significant amount of direct medical care for our soldiers, not only within medical facilities, but also far forward in the battlespace (eg battalion aid stations). In other words, they take on a great burden of medical care throughout the war theater.
These providers are organically imbedded within the brigade combat teams – that’s different than Army Reserve surgeons like me, who are “spare parts”… They just plug me into wherever they need me - Such as an FST (Forward Surgical Team) or a CSH (Combat Support Hospital), or something larger, like Walter Reed. The PA’s that I work with in theater, are part of the brigade and take ownership of their teammates, almost like they’re their children. They’re great professionals with a tough job. FaST Surgeon salutes all our 65 Deltas!
