Para medical Meaning and Definition
Para Medical
Pronunciation
/ˈpærə ˈmɛdɪkəl/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A person trained to assist medical professionals in providing medical care, but not licensed to practice medicine independently.
Examples
- The para medical staff assisted the doctor during the surgery.
- She worked as a para medical in the emergency department.
Synonyms
- Medical Assistant
- Healthcare Assistant
Antonyms
- Doctor
- Nurse Practitioner
Additional Information
Para medicals play a crucial role in the healthcare system, providing essential support to medical professionals. They are trained to perform various tasks, such as taking vital signs, preparing patients for examinations, and assisting with medical procedures. Para medicals work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and ambulance services.
Para medicals are not the same as medical assistants, who typically perform administrative tasks in a medical setting. While both roles support medical professionals, para medicals are more directly involved in patient care.
Eymology
The term “para medical” comes from the Greek words “para,” meaning “beside” or “alongside,” and “medical,” referring to medical care. The term originated in the mid-20th century, as the role of medical assistants began to evolve.
Usage Notes
The term “para medical” is often used interchangeably with “medical assistant,” but they have distinct meanings. Para medicals are specifically trained to provide medical support, whereas medical assistants may perform administrative tasks.
Cultural References
The TV show “Emergency!” featured a character named Chet Kelly, a para medical who worked on the ambulance team.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Para medical care
- Para medical assistance
Related Words or Phrases
- Medical Assistant
- Healthcare Assistant
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Collocations
- Para medical staff
- Para medical team
- Para medical training
Frequency of Use
The term “para medical” is commonly used in medical settings, but its usage varies depending on the region and country.
Common Misspellings
- Para medic
- Para medicals
- Para medicul