The physician associate role remains poorly understood

Responses to the avoidable death of a woman seen by a physician associate (PA)1 have emphasised how poorly understood the PA role remains, even among healthcare staff. PA training emphasises clear role introduction, and there is never an intention to deceive by posing as doctors.2 Despite being a PA with a PhD, I have never introduced myself as a doctor, to avoid confusion.2

PA training is far beyond the “clinical skills” course that …