Physician assistants: education, practice and global interest

Abstract

Background: In the United States, the physician assistant (PA) model has proven to be a cost-effective way to train quality primary care providers with a high degree of acceptance of the PA role by patients and other healthcare providers.

Aim: Discuss PA model as it pertains to other countries.

Methods: Review of relevant literature related to physician assistant education, practice and global interest.

Results: Several countries including the United Kingdom, Scotland, Canada, the Netherlands, Taiwan, South Africa and Ghana are exploring or re-exploring the concept of the physician assistant as a way to quickly and efficiently train and employ autonomous and flexible health workers to address their nation's healthcare needs. Conclusions: Physician assistant education is efficient and flexible and the PA model can be easily adapted to the specific health system needs of other nations. In addition, many PA programs have affiliation agreements with institutions outside of the United States to host PA students for clinical rotations and there is an ever-growing interest by students in international rotations. The Physician Assistant Education Association along with the American Academy of Physician Assistants is actively involved with sharing information about the PA profession with other countries.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Christine F. Legler

CHRISTINE F. LEGLER, Chair, Physician Assistant Education Association International Affairs Committee, founding Director of the Pacific University School of Physician Assistant Studies, and Associate Professor in the Doctor of Health Sciences Program at Nova Southeastern University.

James F. Cawley

JAMES F. CAWLEY, is Director, Physician Assistant & Master of Public Health Program, Professor and Vice Chair, Department of Prevention and Community Health in the School of Public Health and Health Services, and Professor of Health Care Sciences in the School of Medicine and Health Sciences, at The George Washington University Medical Center.

William H. Fenn

WILLIAM H. FENN, is Professor, Physician Assistant Department at Western Michigan University, and Chair, Committee on International Affairs of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.