What is a Physician Assistant?
A physician assistant (PA) is a health professional licensed by the state and nationally credentialed to practice medicine as delegated by and with the supervision of a physician. PA’s provide a broad range of medical and surgical services that traditionally have been performed by physicians. As part of their responsibilities, PA's perform physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret lab tests, perform biopsies, surgeries and prescribe medications.
Physician assistants are trained in medicine, just like physicians, and in some programs PA's attend many of the same classes as medical students. Some of the major differences in a physician's education and a PA's education are the amount of time spent in their formal education and that PA’s are not required to undertake an internship or residency. Physician assistants are educated in intensive medical programs. There are currently more than 130 accredited PA programs. Because of the close working relationship PA’s have with physicians, PA’s are educated in a medical model designed to complement physician training.
A PA-C is a “physician assistant-certified”. This person holds the title by passing the certification exam developed jointly by the National Board of Medical Examiners and the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. To maintain the certified status, a PA-C must complete 100 hours of continuing medical education every two years and take the national recertification exam every six years.
Karla Horton, MMS, PA-C
 Karla Horton earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Stetson University in Deland, Florida in 2000. She completed her MMS and her Physician Assistant training at Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona in 2003. She has been practicing at Arizona Dermatology since September of 2003 and is trained in both general and surgical dermatology. Karla is an active member of the American Association of Physician Assistants (AAPA), Southwest Dermatology Physician Assistants Society (SDPA) and the Phoenix Dermatological Society.
Marlene Wright NP-C
 Marlene Wright is a native of Arizona.
She received her BSN from Arizona State University. She completed her nurse practitioner
education and MSN from Arizona State University in 1997, Suma Cum Laude. She is nationally certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner from the AACN and also certified in Dermatology from the DNA. She is a member of the Dermatology Nurses Association and the Phoenix Dermatological Society. Marlene is ACLS certified and has experience in both family practice and dermatology. Currently, Marlene is seeing both medical and surgical dermatology patients, including the use of Botox.
Michelle Coté, MMS, PA-C
 Michelle Cote earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Physiology from University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona in 2003. She completed her MMS and her Physician Assistant training at Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona in August 2006 and has been practicing in Dermatology ever since. She previously practiced in Atlanta, Georgia until she joined Arizona Dermatology in December 2007. Michelle is trained in general, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. She is an active member of the American Association of Physician Assistants (AAPA), the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA), and the Phoenix Dermatological Society
Michael Higbee, PA-C
 Michael Higbee earned his Bachelor of Science degree from St. John's University in Queens, N.Y. in 2003. He completed his training as a Physician's Assistant at St. Vincent's Catholic Medical Centers in N.Y. Mike has been practicing dermatology since January 2006 in New York City before relocating to Arizona in January 2008. Mike is trained in both general cosmetic and surgical dermatology. Mike is an active member of the Society of Dermatologic Physician Assistants (SDPA) as well as the Phoenix Dermatological Society.
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