Physician Associate Review

The role involves working in primary or secondary care. It entails seeing patients, ordering tests and producing a management plan or performing an intervention to manage patient care.

I have learnt many clinical skills including cannulation, intubation, emergency care, and consenting for special procedures.

I was given responsibilities such as ward rounds independently and also holding my own clinics in General Practice. This was sufficient responsibility for my role and my development.

I received plenty of support and guidance. There was a vast range of staff and multidisciplinary teams that provided a range of guidance and experience. Teaching was also provided in both secondary and primary care with specific topics taught relevant to practice.

In primary care, there was a good support network and encouragement for me to develop my skills as a physician associate. Some practices were not certain of my role and therefore needed to be educated on our remit however they were very supportive in allowing me to practice. In secondary care, there was a mixed reception as some a junior doctors were not too keen on PAs practicing however most staff was very supportive.

I enjoyed them all vastly. They were integral to increasing my confidence and to introduce me to a variety of people, patients and conditions. There were some instances where I was challenged or felt out of my comfort zone however this was still a learning opportunity.

Yes

Be informed about your role and understand that the NHS is full of opportunities. Once you have your foot in the door there is a lot of support available.