The Physician Associate Podcast

It’s six months since regulation came into effect for PAs and AAs, and Rebecca Morris, from the General Medical Council has joined me on the podcast to share how registration is going. Rebecca is responsible for the GMC team handling applications.  Rebecca has been at the GMC for almost eighteen years. She has always worked within the registration teams, having previously overseen management of over 70,000 registration applications from doctors. Her time is now entirely focused on managing applications for registration from PAs and AAs. Rebecca answers some frequently asked questions, and has advice for PAs (and AAs) who have yet to process their application.

After many years of work, the General Medical Council has now begun statutory regulation of physician associates, as well as anaesthesia associates, in addition to doctors. Regulation will help assure patients, colleagues and employers that PAs and AAs have the knowledge and skills to work safely and that they can be held to account if serious concerns are raised. Professor Dame Carrie MacEwen was appointed as Chair of the GMC Council in May 2022. And she joins us on the podcast today, to discuss bringing PAs and AAs into regulation with the GMC. Carrie is a consultant ophthalmologist for NHS Tayside and Honorary Professor at the University of Dundee. She served as Chair of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges until 2020 and is Past-President of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists. Carrie has served on several committees in support of education, training and assessment and NHS committees regarding service re-design for general medical services. She chairs the multiprofessional subcommittee of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists and also chairs the Trustee Board of the Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership, is a trustee of the Moorfields Eye Charity and she was a member of the council of the University of Exeter. Carrie was specialty ophthalmology advisor to the Scottish Chief Medical Officer for over a decade and led the Scottish Eyecare Workstream, ceasing this role in June 2022. She was the clinical co-lead for the ophthalmology ‘Getting It Right First Time’ programme and the Eye Care Recovery and Transformation Programme for NHS England/Improvement.

In this episode, we welcome back Bob and Mark from Meducate Academy Bob and Mark have a wealth of experience in physician associate student education and simulation in medical education. Bob and Mark share their top tips for PA students on how to pass their exams. Find out more about https://www.meducate.academy/https://www.meducate.academy/

In this episode, we dive deep into the controversial topic of physician associates (PAs) in the medical community. Join us as we sit down with Professor Aneez Esmail, a renowned GP and academic, to explore the pros and cons of incorporating PAs into healthcare delivery. With his extensive experience and insights into the NHS, Professor Esmail offers a balanced perspective on the potential benefits and challenges associated with this emerging role. From patient safety concerns to workforce shortages, we'll examine the key arguments surrounding the debate on physician associates. You can connect with the Physician Associate Podcast Twitter - @PApodcastUK Facebook - @PApodcastUK Instagram - @PApodcastUK

Today is Armistice Day, where we remember and pay tribute to those lost in conflicts, those who fight for our freedoms, our emergency workers and all those affected by terrorism. In this short special podcast episode, I speak about some schemes that are set up to support veterans, and signpost how physician associates can refer patients to the right places for veterans to get support.

Discover how the NHS is hoping to improve primary care with an innovative course, "Working with People and Communities to Improve General Practice in Primary Care." Join us as we delve into this online course designed to empower healthcare professionals to foster stronger connections with their communities. Learn about effective strategies for engaging patients, understanding their needs, and implementing inclusive approaches that improve the overall quality of primary care services. You can connect with the Physician Associate Podcast Twitter - @PApodcastUK Facebook - @PApodcastUK Instagram - @PApodcastUK

Join us for an insightful conversation with Lyndsey Milcarek, a leading figure in global health advocacy for Physician Associates. Discover how Physician Associates for Global Health is making a significant impact on healthcare delivery worldwide. Learn about their initiatives, challenges, and the future of the PA profession in international settings. You can connect with the Physician Associate Podcast Twitter - @PApodcastUK Facebook - @PApodcastUK Instagram - @PApodcastUK

Join us as we delve into a conversation of Physician Associates in primary care. In this episode, we're privileged to have Dr. Rebecca Rosen to discuss the strategies and challenges involved in integrating PAs into the primary care workforce.This episode was recorded prior to the announcement last week of the BMA’s position to phase out PAs from the primary care workforce. You can connect with the Physician Associate PodcastTwitter - @PApodcastUKFacebook - @PApodcastUKInstagram - @PApodcastUK

Join us as we delve into the importance of mental and emotional well-being for physician associates. Our guest, Dr. Rachel Morris, host of the popular 'You Are Not a Frog' podcast, brings her unique perspective on stress management, burnout prevention, and finding balance in the demanding healthcare environment. Discover practical tips and strategies to enhance your own well-being and thrive in your role. You can connect with the Physician Associate Podcast Twitter - @PApodcastUK Facebook - @PApodcastUK Instagram - @PApodcastUK

Join us for part 2 of a fascinating conversation with Partha Kar and Ajay Verma, two leading figures in the ongoing Physician Associate debate. Hear their insights on the future of the PA role, the challenges and opportunities facing PAs today, and their experiences of working as councillors for the Royal College of Physicians. You can connect with the Physician Associate Podcast Twitter - @PApodcastUK Facebook - @PApodcastUK Instagram - @PApodcastUK