Cross County Medical has two highly trained and experienced Physician Assistants, Meir Kessler, R.P.A.C. and Michelle Schecter, R.P.A.C. who support the doctors and help to provide the highest quality cardiac care to patients. The services provided by the Physician Assistants (PA) are vital to maintain a high level of care for each and every patient. Formal training provides PA’s with the knowledge and skills to provide a wide range of medical and clinical services including taking medical histories, diagnosing and treating patients, patient therapy and advising, and interpretation of lab tests such as EKGs, ECGs and stress tests, among many others. While working independently, Cross County’s Physician Assistants are overseen and advised by the doctors at the practice. All PA’s at Cross County are certified by the American Academy of Physician Assistants.

What is a Physician Assistant (PA)?

Physician Assistants (PAs) in cardiology are health care providers licensed to practice medicine with cardiologist supervision. PAs conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventative health care, and in virtually all states, including New York, write prescriptions. PAs exercise autonomy in medical decision-making and provide a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic services. A PA’s practice may also include education, research, and administrative services.

All of our PAs have been trained in intensive education programs. Education is based on the medical model, designed to complement cardiologist training. Physician Assistants are required to take a national certifying examination, log 100 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain certification, and sit for a recertification exam every six years.

In our practice, PAs receive further education and training in cardiac care and heart health upon joining the staff. They make decisions consistent with how each individual cardiologist in our group conducts their practice. The cardiologists are always readily available for consultation with the PA. Even when you don’t see the cardiologist, they are always actively involved in your care. The cardiologists monitor PA activities by reviewing and signing all office notes, which outline the nature of each patient encounter and treatment rendered.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask our staff, your PA or your cardiologists.