Surrey Training Hub logo

Physicans Associate (PA)

Find out more

Role Description

Physician Associates (PAs) are healthcare professionals with a generalist medical education who work alongside doctors providing medical care as an integral part of the multidisciplinary team. PAs are dependent practitioners who work under the supervision of a fully trained and experienced doctor.  

What can a Physician Associate offer to patients in a Primary Care setting?

  • Elicit a comprehensive history.
  • Produce a problem-oriented history.
  • Perform a complete and directed physical examination.
  • Formulate a differential diagnosis.
  • Communicate a patient-focused management plan of care.
  • Order appropriate tests and interpret test results.
  • Prepare prescriptions for signature.
  • Educate and counsel patients and families.
  • Arrange for follow-up care and/ or referrals to specialists.
  • Perform, for example, injections, aspirations, basic phlebotomy, dipstick urinalysis, collection and preparation of cultures, fluorescein exam, minor surgery, diagnostic tests, take vital signs.
  • Home visits/ calls for nursing and homebound patients.

Registrable Qualification

  • BSc degree in life science
  • Diploma or Master’s level in Physician Associate studies

Additional Qualifications Required for Primary Care

Not applicable

Regulatory Body

  • Physician Associate Managed Voluntary Register PAMVR (moving to the General Medical Council (GMC) in 2024)

Supervision Requirements

Please read the scope of practice guidance from Royal College of General Practicians, published 9 October, 2024.

What can the Training Hub offer you?

  • Access to online courses and workshops on various topics
  • Tools and resources for improving communication and professional skills 
  • Best practices and guidelines 
  • Networking opportunities with peers and other healthcare professionals 
  • Continued education and professional development opportunities 
  • Access to the latest research and information 
  • Access to PA Teams Channel (please contact Surrey Training Hub for login details)

Subscribe to our Newsletter

© Copyright 2024 Surrey Training HubWeb Design By Toolkit Websites