PAs are a key part of the patient-centred healthcare team. "Physician associates are dependent practitioners working with a dedicated supervisor, but are able to work independently with appropriate support." RCP PA Faculty FAQ section

Patients have been seeing members of the multi-disciplinary team for years…as long as they see qualified practitioners they have positive experiences. "93% of patients who recently interacted with a PA agreed that PAs are trusted healthcare providers" (AAPA).

PAs have 2 years of post graduate training on top of a healthcare or science related degree. All PAs graduate with an average of 1700 hours of clinical experience in primary and secondary care encompassing all specialties.

With the right experience, PAs can see any patients that walk through the door.

Whilst Physician Associates work as part of the overall healthcare team they are trained in general medicine and work as part of the medical team alongside doctors.

According to the national PA census 2016, PAs in specialities accounted for 60%!! Of all PAs working in secondary care. From Neurosurgery to paediatric intensive care, PAs in the NHS are fast becoming valuable clinicians throughout all specialities.