Final answer:
A physician assistant is a healthcare professional licensed to practice medicine under physician supervision, aligning with the second option of the provided choices. In a meritocratic healthcare system.
Step-by-step explanation:
A physician assistant is best described as a healthcare professional with advanced training who is licensed to practice medicine under the supervision of a physician.
This means that the correct answer to the student's question is option 2) A healthcare professional with advanced training who is licensed to practice medicine under the supervision of a physician
Physician assistants can diagnose illnesses, develop and manage treatment plans, prescribe medications, and often serve as a patient's principal healthcare provider
They work in a variety of medical settings, including clinics, hospitals, and private practices. It's important to distinguish between physician assistants and medical doctors (MDs) - PAs must collaborate.
Regarding the question on meritocracy, option d. earn a pay raise for doing excellent work is the answer that aligns with the concept. If meritocracy was the basis for payment in the healthcare system.
Then physician's assistants would earn pay raises or promotions based on their performance and achievements rather than predetermined scales or seniority.