United Kingdom Physician Associates

Authors

  • Kate Straughton
  • Alexandra Chase

Keywords:

United Kingdom, Physician Associates

Abstract

Physician Assistants (PAs) were first introduced to the UK in 2002 when two PAs were employed from the USA [1]. A further 11 PAs followed, working in a similar region, with a report commissioned in 2004 to evaluate the impact of the role [2], followed by a further pilot scheme in Scotland [3].  In 2005, the UK Association of Physician Assistants (UKAPA) was registered as the professional organization. 

 

In 2013, the profession changed its title from Physician Assistant to Physician Associate, to aid further progress towards statutory regulation. In 2015, UKAPA and the Royal College of Physicians collaborated to develop and launch the Faculty of Physician Associates (FPA); the first non-doctor faculty of the college. 

Author Biographies

Kate Straughton

Kate Straughton is a physician associate who works as a lecturer on the University of Birmingham Physician Associate programme. Kate’s clinical experience is in acute medicine and neurosurgery in the UK National Health Service. She currently holds the post of President of the Faculty of Physician Associates, Royal College of Physicians, London, and has been involved in the development of the UK PA profession at national board level since 2009. 

Alexandra Chase

Alexandra Chase is a physician associate who works clinically in General Practice and academically as a lecturer on the University of Birmingham Physician Associate programme. Alexandra has past clinical experience in acute medicine, neurosurgery and cardiology. Alexandra is a current member of the Faculty of Physician Associates board and has an interest in PA assessment.

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Published

2021-07-15

How to Cite

Straughton, K., & Chase, A. (2021). United Kingdom Physician Associates. Social Innovations Journal, 8. Retrieved from https://socialinnovationsjournal.com/index.php/sij/article/view/990