Physician Associates

[dustybee]

I think if anyone’s YP is planning on applying for a physicians associate course they should be aware of how uncertain this career path is. The Royal College of GP’s have just recommended freezing any new PA recruitment

This is actually good news

I agree, PAs are unregulated and have been used to fill in doctor shortages to the detriment of patient care. Their training is totally inadequate for this and often insufficiently supervised.

Good. They are an absolute waste of resources and in some cases dangerous. I'd rather see a nurse practitioner if I couldn't see a GP.

The career path was always uncertain. I’ve never heard of an agreed definition or scope of practice for a PA. That in itself should be off putting. It’s a degree for people who want to play doctor.

I agree too I want to see a qualified doctor or a nurse practitioner …

I actually agree - I don’t think the PA role is required- unsafe and poor value for money- but I also think people considering a PA course need to be aware of the issues, how they are viewed by the wider medical profession and potential lack of jobs.

It always made me 🤔how AHPs have a code of conduct are regulated by HCPC, have to have medical indemnity and can be struck off for poor practice whereas PAs who have in some trusts and GP surgeries been allowed to do the work of doctors have none of these things. The poor patients who have been maimed or died as a result of unsupervised PAs ‘treating’ them.

I have to admit, I don't like seeing them. I would rather see a Doctor.

As time passes, more and more incidents are going to be discovered and I think the profession will die.

There’s another thread running on this subject plus lengthy historic ones.

DD's application to study for PA was unsuccessful, thank goodness. The post grad degree she is applying for now is a "proper" healthcare position and a role that is very much in demand.

She has clearly dodged a bullet here.

Agree & think the people attracted to it as a profession are a bit weird tbh

I was offered a place on a course over ten years ago as it was just starting up and turned it down due to a fear over job uncertainty and the knowledge they could be totally binned off at any time. What is flavour of the month at one point can quickly fall out of fashion.

I have never understood why not just expand nurse practitioners? Is it just there aren’t enough nurses??

I have to say we have a great PA at my GPs but she’s an ex paramedic, so that makes sense. The other one is sweet and helpful but he has the slight air of being on work experience.

I’m not opposed in principle but it seems to have been snuck in and not to be being properly managed.

I agree, PAs are unregulated

Physician associates will be regulated by the General Medical Council from December 2024: https://www.gmc-uk.org/pa-and-aa-regulation-hub. The GMC already regulates PA qualifications.

Courses should all shut. Dishonest to take people's money for this qualification with no future.

The Royal College of GP’s have just recommended freezing any new PA recruitment

Was this not just until they are regulated which will now happen at the end of this year?

No idea but I'd be nervous if I was a PA.

No jobs in Northern Ireland

Physician associates graduate to 'no jobs' - BBC News

About time too! PA's are a terrible idea