Physician Assistant

Physician assistants (PAs) are vital members of the healthcare team who work under the supervision of physicians to provide diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive healthcare services. Their responsibilities include conducting patient interviews, performing physical exams, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and developing treatment plans. PAs may also prescribe medications, assist in surgeries, and provide patient education and counseling. They work in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and private practices, collaborating closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals to deliver comprehensive and patient-centered care. PAs play a crucial role in improving access to healthcare services, particularly in underserved areas, by helping to address the growing demand for medical care.

Biography- Karen Mulitalo, MPAS, PA-C

Karen is a native to Utah earned her BS, PA certification and Masters of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Utah. She has over 20 years of experience in PA education and has worked clinically with underserved populations in a number of clinical settings since her graduation in 1996. She has worked nationally and overseas in development of the PA role in the context of various health systems in the US and Commonwealth. Her clinical and research interests include health disparities of underrepresented populations and she recently worked with the Salt Lake County Health Department and the University of Utah Department of Family and Preventive Medicine in addressing morbidity and mortality associated with diabetes and COVID 19 in the Pacific Islander populations along the Wasatch Front. She is currently the director of the Utah Valley University PA program and is clinical staff at Maliheh Free Clinic in Salt Lake City.

To learn more about PA Karen Mulitalo, watch her interview.

Here are some are of the topics you will hear PA Karen Mulitalo discuss:

  • Her journey as a PA

  • The importance of soft skills

  • The challenges you will face as a PA

  • Her passion to stop the perpetuation of health disparities

Physician Assistant

University of Utah:

Southern Utah University:

Utah State University: 

Utah Valley University:

Dixie State University:

Salt Lake Community College: