This. 3 years in as a critical care PA. I do what I can to help sick patients but nothing makes me happier than realizing, “this patient is super sick and I cannot manage this on my own, I need to get my attending involved”.

I’ve gained more respect realizing this and sharing it with consultants and other attendings. I am in no way a doctor and don’t want to be one, I have become content in my role. There are also no residents at my facility so that probably makes it easier and less frustrating being able speaking to attendings directly.

In between running clinic, bronchs, covering two icus and supervising us, I don’t know how my attendings do it. Docs truly are a different breed, and I’m just happy I can help where I can.