The Department of Physician Assistant Studies has been established in order to prepare a broadly trained health professional to carry out patient-care functions traditionally performed only by a physician. Successful graduates of this program will have had the opportunity to prepare themselves for conducting a sophisticated medical interview and physical examination, for analyzing laboratory data, and for organizing and integrating these findings. From the results, he or she should be able to make assessments and diagnostic and therapeutic plans to present to the physician both orally and in writing so that the physician and the physician assistant can perceive the medical problems and determine appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic steps. Graduates of this program should be capable of assisting physicians by performing diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, prescribing medications, and coordinating the services of community-health agencies in order to serve the needs of the patient.