Physicians associates

[szi123]

So many social media postings form Physician's associates on tik tok etc flaunting what they are doing. This one is from a PA who has never been to medical school, done a 2 year 'medical course' after an undergraduate degree, never had any paediatric education or training. They went to a one day induction in paediatrcs and think they are now qualified to see paediatric patients.

People often have no idea they/their children are being seen by an associate as they all wear scrubs and introductions are misleading. Thay are then supposed to 'check' with their supervising consultant or GP what they have done is correct.

This is the state of the NHS now. And the government has engineered this to happen

That says about them being on a foundation doctor induction though, and ends about them going into their placement.
How is this specifically about being a PA when F1 F2 is after they have completed their medical degree and are training to be a Dr?

Lotsof anger among doctors about the whole PA issue. These kids boasting on SM about what they are doing is shocking and unprofessional but not surprising since most of them failed to get into medicine and have just done a two year training course.

Have a look at this
https://twitter.com/Dr_Done_/status/1751151781512700333?s=19

@YourGoatAteMyFishfinger the PA was on an induction course with F1s. It was a PA who posted that on Instagram.

If true then these sorts of social media posts by any healthcare professional are inappropriate.

The twitter account that highlights these potential issues is also acting against professional guidance: https://www.gmc-uk.org/professional-standards/professional-standards-for-doctors/doctors-use-of-social-media/doctors-use-of-social-media#:~:text=Anonymity&text=If%20you%20identify%20yourself%20as,of%20the%20profession%20more%20widely.

”Anonymity If you identify yourself as a doctor in publicly accessible social media, you should also identify yourself by name. Any material written by authors who represent themselves as doctors is likely to be taken on trust and may reasonably be taken to represent the views of the profession more widely”.

I think we can all do better to work collaboratively within our roles and raise concerns in an appropriate way without writing off an entire group of staff.

Most medical students have about 2 months specific paediatrics training and then whatever they pick up in general practice placements. The PA will be treating children in their PA role. Sounds like the induction was refreshing on child examination and consultation as most medical students will be significantly under skilled by the time they are in F1

Paediatrics is one of many specialities, it is also seen significantly in other rotations beyond just the paeds one (i.e. GP, ED)

The inductions are around how the local protocols and services work, they are fairly non-clinical. The point is that the PA thinks they are safe and good to go now with zero training whilst the F1 and F2 with infinitely more training will be aware of their limitations and when to ask for help

Spot on!

The government is paying for less experienced staff who try to make themselves ‘look’ equal to doctors. Look up NHS Lothian - alarm bells on ‘never event’ safety errors disproportionately high with PAs than doctors. They can’t prescribe or request scans btw!

The government wants PAs - they’re cheaper but less skilled. Can’t see your GPs? Guess what? Government isn’t paying for more GPs!! Only PAs!! It’s not your GPs fault, they literally have been given no money to pay for HCAs, crucial admin staff, nurses or doctors. Only for PAs or Advanced Nurse Pracitioners - who by the way are replacing all your doctors. They want you to hate GPs, so no one listens to them raising issue with this madness.

You can be certain that government politicians will not choose PAs for their own families. Only yours and mine.

I think 2 futures are possible, that a 2 tier healthcare system will appear with those unable to afford private care getting PAs and those with money getting doctors.

The other option is that places like here kick up enough of a fuss that plans are stymied.