Physician Associate

Physician Associates (PAs) are generalist healthcare professionals with medical training. They support and closely collaborate with doctors in the diagnosis, treatment and management of patients – meaning they have direct contact with patients.

The role was created to provide a continuity of care to patients and stability to the medical workforce through providing support to doctors.  Physician Associates, are not doctors themselves, but provide medical care and operate under defined levels of supervision of a doctor.

Physician Associates possess the necessary attitudes, skills, and knowledge to deliver care and treatment within both primary and secondary care settings.

While physician associates work as dependent practitioners, they also have the ability to practice autonomously and make independent decisions. This is made possible through collaborative and supportive relationships with their clinical supervisors, ensuring that there is always someone available to discuss cases, offer guidance, and review patients when needed. 

Training and Qualifications

To enter into Physician Associate training you must hold a life science bachelor’s degree or already be a trained healthcare professional, such as nurse, paramedic or physiotherapist with a minimum entry requirement of a 2:1 (second upper class degree). Physician associate training is a two-year postgraduate training programme, which is offered at HEIs across the UK and Republic of Ireland. 

A physician associate apprenticeship programme is also in development.

You can find more information about becoming a Physician Associate at the Royal College of Physicians and also here.

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