November 27 is National Physician Assistant Day

November 26, 2023 |
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November 27 is National Physician Assistant Day in Canada. This commemorative day recognizes the Physician Assistant profession and the positive impact they have in providing medical care to the public.

CPSM sends our sincerest gratitude to the 139 Physician Assistants (PAs) practising in Manitoba.

We also extend our congratulations to the newly graduated class of physician assistants of 2023.

According to the Conference Board of Canada, integrating physician assistants into healthcare teams can:

  • Save physician time by more than 30%.
  • Increase productivity in primary care, emergency and urgent care, orthopaedics, and other specialties.
  • Reduce wait times.
  • Reduce healthcare costs.

As the need for physicians is a growing concern nationwide, the role of PAs is crucial within the medical profession. PAs work collaboratively with a supervising physician in various medical settings and specialties to assess, treat and diagnose patients ultimately reducing patient wait times and making medical care more accessible. In addition, PAs are often seen for follow-up appointments following the patient’s journey to ensure their care and health plan. All while advocating, educating, and empowering their patients.

Twenty-four years ago, Manitoba became the first province to introduce the role of PAs to the public health system. The need and vital role of the profession in providing medical care was recognized, therefore designing the first PA training program in Canada. As our province faces challenges with the physician shortage, we acknowledge and value the roles of PAs, and the contributions and support they bring to medical teams and patient care.

On behalf of the medical profession, we extend our sincere appreciation to the dedicated PAs and CAs who contribute tirelessly beside us delivering patient care. We recognize your role in and commitment to ensuring people in Manitoba receive quality healthcare. We invite all physicians, healthcare professionals, and the public to join us in acknowledging and thanking Physician Assistants for their commitment to the medical profession.

To learn more about PAs, read our Q&A with Chris Barnes, BN MPAS CCPA, who practices as a PA in various remote Indigenous communities in Northern Manitoba. He is the Associate Member Representative on Council.

 

View infographic: What is a PA? (Source: canadianpa.ca)