the PA program through a medical
school or center of medicine. PAs can
also specialize in areas like emergency
medicine and general surgery. However,
they cannot work independently of
physicians. Physicians and PAs work
together as a team, and collaborate to
care for their patients.
Marc Pitre, a PA who works under
the direction of physicians and surgeons
at North Oaks Orthopaedic Specialty
Clinic, sees his role as an extension of
the physician’s. In surgery, he might
serve as a first assistant, which many
years ago was a role taken by a second
surgeon during more complicated
surgeries.
“Under the physician’s supervision,
we carry out those duties which have
been delegated to us through our
training, experience and competence,”
he adds.
Both NPs and PAs are trained to
know when to refer you to a physician,
who has more formal education
and training. Hudspeth values the
relationship she shares with physicians
and considers herself a member of a
team working for the patient’s benefit.
“I am fortunate enough to work
side-by-side with my collaborative
physicians,” Hudspeth shares. “The
knowledge that I gained in school helps
me treat or manage most patients,
but there are times when I encounter
a complicated situation and need
advice. My doctors are always ready
to share what they have learned and
experienced.”
Lori Mayers, an NP with North Oaks
Pulmonology Clinic points out that
NPs, PAs and physicians all aim to make
the patient’s health care experience a
positive one by coordinating care and
communicating.
“We are colleagues, sharing a
common goal in evaluating the patients’
problems, diagnosing illness and
restoring their health,” she adds.
Their goal is to provide high-quality,
patient-centered and team-based care
that improves the health of those they
serve. And, with the backing of a team
of health care professionals, the patient
benefits in many ways – from easier
access to appointments to the collective
medical knowledge of the team. This
team approach offers the patient a full
range of health care services without
sacrificing the medical expertise that
ensures the most accurate diagnoses
and the most appropriate treatments in
the timeliest manner.
2016 Louisiana
Golf Association
Schedule of Events
U.S. Women’s Four Ball Qualifier
Money Hill
March 24
Club Team Championship
Money Hill
April 23-24
Net Amateur Championship
The Bluffs
May 14-15
U.S. Open Qualifier
The Bluffs
May 17
Amateur Championship
Carter Plantation
June 9-12
Junior Amateur Championship
Links on the Bayou
July 6-8
U.S. Amateur Qualifier
Links on the Bayou
July 11
Four-Ball Championship
National GC of La.
July 16-17
Mid-Amateur Championship
Southern Trace
Aug. 5-7
USGA Mid-Am Qualifier
Southern Trace
Aug. 8
Senior Amateur Championship
Oakbourne CC
Aug. 25-27
Senior Four-Ball Championship
Lake Charles CC
Sept. 24-25
Southeast