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Lisa B. Darr, P.A.-C
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Lisa Darr followed a broad, winding, and enriching path to become the healthcare provider she is today. She graduated from Sweet Briar College with a double major in Chemistry and Mathematical Physics. She then pursued her Masters in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Rice University. She spent several years in the corporate world before she elected to be a “stay at home” parent. It was during this time that she felt the calling to pursue a career in medicine. She graduated from UT Southwestern University with a Masters in Physician Assistant Studies. During her training, she discovered her favorite patient population…kids! She joined Pediatric Sports and Spine Associates in January 2013 and has thoroughly enjoyed connecting with her patients and their families, whether it be for an injury, aches and pains, or management of scoliosis.
Lisa is a native Texan, but lived in Minnesota during high school, attended college in Virginia, and started a family in Michigan. She and her husband, Mike, live in Richardson with their 2 high school daughters; one plays softball and the other is on the drill team. Outside the clinic, Lisa stays busy attending a variety of high school games and activities, walking the family dogs, running with friends, and traveling with her family.
Lisa is a Physician Assistant certified by the National Commission of Physician Assistants and the Texas State board of Physician Assistant Examiners. She is currently an active member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Texas Academy of Physician Assistants. Lisa practices under the direction of Dr. Roderick Capelo.
MD vs. PA
What is the difference between an MD and a PA?
A physician assistant is a medical professional who operates under a doctor’s supervision. Both the doctor as well as the PA, share patient care responsibility. The scope of a PA’s duties includes examining patients, diagnosing illnesses, taking the patient’s history, developing and carrying out treatment plans, counseling patients on healthcare plans and performing certain medical procedures, such a re-aligning fractures. The main duties of a PA are very similar to that of a doctor across several aspects; except for a few major procedures, such as surgery. Physician assistants may assist doctors in surgical procedures but they themselves are not licensed to perform surgery. Other than that, the major difference in job functions between a doctor and a physician assistant is that a doctor works autonomously whereas a PA always works under the supervision of the doctor. Physician Assistants in Texas are authorized to write prescriptions. At Pediatric Sports and Spine Associates, our Physician Assistants have been trained directly by Dr. Capelo, and have extensive experience in treating pediatric fractures, sports and overuse injuries, scoliosis and other conditions of the spine, and many other pediatric orthopedic conditions.
A physician assistant is a medical professional who operates under a doctor’s supervision. Both the doctor as well as the PA, share patient care responsibility. The scope of a PA’s duties includes examining patients, diagnosing illnesses, taking the patient’s history, developing and carrying out treatment plans, counseling patients on healthcare plans and performing certain medical procedures, such a re-aligning fractures. The main duties of a PA are very similar to that of a doctor across several aspects; except for a few major procedures, such as surgery. Physician assistants may assist doctors in surgical procedures but they themselves are not licensed to perform surgery. Other than that, the major difference in job functions between a doctor and a physician assistant is that a doctor works autonomously whereas a PA always works under the supervision of the doctor. Physician Assistants in Texas are authorized to write prescriptions. At Pediatric Sports and Spine Associates, our Physician Assistants have been trained directly by Dr. Capelo, and have extensive experience in treating pediatric fractures, sports and overuse injuries, scoliosis and other conditions of the spine, and many other pediatric orthopedic conditions.
What It Takes To Become A Doctor?
A medical doctor invests many years into the education and training which is required to become proficient in diagnosing various conditions, determining the appropriate treatment options, and prescribing the best treatment. After obtaining an undergraduate degree, it takes four years to obtain a degree a medical degree(MD), and then 3 to 7 additional years of residency training before receiving a license to practice medicine or surgery. Doctors are board-certified on the national level and must obtain a state license where they practice.
What It Takes To Become A Physician Assistant?
Physician Assistant qualifications vary slightly from one state to another, but obtaining a license to practice usually requires a 4-year undergraduate degree and completion of an accredited Physician Assistant Master’s program. Most programs are approximately 26 months (three academic years) and require the same prerequisite courses as medical schools. Most programs also require students to have about three years of healthcare training and experience. To obtain a PA license, PAs must successfully complete a one-year clinical rotation where they gain hands-on medical experience. Physician assistants are certified on the by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and a PA must obtain a state license where they practice. Physician Assistants are also required to complete ongoing continuing education classes and regular re-testing of medical expertise.