Overview
Physician Associates are medically trained, generalist healthcare professionals, who work alongside doctors and provide medical care as an intergral part of the multidisciplinary team. Physician associates are dependent practitioners working with a dedicated medical supervisor, but are able to work autonomously with appropriate support.
Do and be more
The Physician Associate plays an important role in the diagnosis, treatment and management of patients. They work within a defined scope of practice and their roles and responsibilities include:
- Take medical histories
- Perform physical examinations
- Request and interpret diagnostic tests
- Diagnose illnesses
- Manage patients with long term illnesses
- Perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures
- Develop and deliver appropriate treatment and management plans
- Health promotion and disease prevention advice
Currently, Physician Associates are not able to prescribe or request X-ray/imaging examinations due to the profession currently not being regulated. However, in July 2019 it was announced that the GMC will be the future regulator.
Learning and teaching
This course will be delivered using a blended learning approach, combining lectures, tutorials, Self-Directed Learning (SDL), use of online materials, case based discussions, skills sessions, and seminars to facilitate deeper learning and allow for a range of student learning preferences.
You’ll have access to a comprehensive range of e-learning resources. Self-assessment (under supervision) and continual assessment are also key elements of the programme.
Core Clinical Skills are taught by the Clinical Skills Education Team at the Clinical Practice Centre based at Leeds Teaching Hospital Trust sites around Leeds. The aim of these sessions is to ensure that all students can perform clinical skills in the clinical environment in a safe, competent and confident manner.
Assessment
A range of assessments are used to test your knowledge, understanding and clinical competence, these include: project presentations, group work, written assignments, and topic area passports or portfolios that describe placement performance, attendance and professionalism. Reflective accounts of early placement experiences and discussions on topics such as ethics and patient safety issues are entered online to a personal Progress File. This accumulates over your years of study both in the accounts of your work and experiences and in the feedback from tutors.
Career opportunities
After qualifying as a Physician Associate you can expect a starting salary of Band 6 or 7 in the NHS Agenda for Change pay rates. You will be part of a new and rapidly growing UK profession, supported by the NHS and the Department of Health, and will follow a career path with proven success in the United States.
As a graduate Physician Associate you will help to increase the numbers of the medical workforce and increase access to quality care for patients. You will act in an enabling role, helping to reduce the healthcare team’s workload. You will bring new talent to the NHS and add to the skill mix within the teams.
