November 27 is National Physician Assistant Day in Canada, a day dedicated to recognizing the important contributions Physician Assistants (PAs) make as members of healthcare teams and their positive impact on patient care.  

As a family doctor, I have seen firsthand the value PAs bring to patients and care delivery in an interprofessional team.  

Twenty-five years ago, Manitoba became the first province to recognize the integral part PAs play, introducing them to the health system and becoming regulated members of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba. Today, 155 PAs practice across our province, providing quality patient care.  

PAs contribute significantly to the healthcare system across the country, from reducing patient wait-times to making medical care more accessible in rural communities. PAs can offer much-needed time and support to patients and families that physicians often can’t, resulting in strong and meaningful relationships that contribute to healing and positive health outcomes. As healthcare providers, we know all too well how important that is.  

Despite the challenges that accompany the profession, PAs continue to show up in countless ways to extend physician functions efficiently and effectively.  

Please join me in acknowledging and offering our deepest gratitude to all Physician Assistants in Manitoba.  

Dr. Ainslie Mihalchuk

CPSM Registrar and CEO