PAs demand change in title

[exPCM]

PAs are now lobbying to change their titles from "physician assistants" to "physician associates". Why do you think that is?
Read here:

Physician Associate: A Change Whose Time Has Come
A group of 50 prominent PAs have signed this open letter urging a name change.
Last updated on: April 13, 2010

Editor's note: The perceived inadequacy of the name "physician assistant" over the years has prompted numerous PAs to call for an official name change, without success. Now, however, 50 prominent PAs have staked their reputations by signing the following open letter urging a name change to "physician associate."

Click here to listen to a Webcast about the open letter.



We, the undersigned physician assistant leaders assert that the time to change the name of our profession has arrived. While we can debate much about a name change, we have all agreed to the below statements and thoughts. We also fully agree that the name change advocated below will advance the profession. We call on the leaders of the profession and all PAs to announce and start to implement this change as soon as possible. We are leaders who believe it is increasingly unwise to wait longer to make this long-needed change. Collectively, the below-signed PAs have given much of their lives to the profession and are dedicated to its advancement.

Why We Need a Change

Our profession's original name was physician associate. Physicians demanded that "associate" be changed on the grounds that it did not properly describe the desired scope of PA practice. Forty years later we have outgrown the "assistant" title. It no longer accurately represents the profession. It is inaccurate and confuses consumers. The title is misleading and carries negative connotations which we can and should avoid. As we move into a new model of healthcare delivery it is of the utmost importance that our profession's name accurately describes our role.

Why a Change Is Justified

•The PA role is truly one of partnership; of association and collegiality. We work as associates and have for many years. Our profession's birth-name in 1965 was physician associate.

• "Physicians assistant" is a generic term. It can mean anything: a person in the office that bills patients, a records assistant, the person that sets up and cleans the exam room, all the way to a certified, licensed PA. The profession must move from this generic name to one that aptly and more accurately describes our function.

• In our society, "assistant" denotes a technical job, not a profession.

• PAs are held to the same legal and medical standards as physicians.

• The title is confusing and misleading to our patients and the public in general. Since the name practically guarantees that "physician assistants" will be confused with "medical assistants", patients are at risk of thinking they are receiving substandard care or expect that after the "assistant" a physician will also be seeing them. Most times this does not happen, nor does the physician or the PA expect it to happen. It is time to have the name mirror the reality that exists.

• The internationalization of PAs is important to the profession. Having to explain that the common meaning of the name "assistant" under-represents our true practice is a barrier, in international forums, to full understanding.

• The above problems also may keep prospective applicants and others away from becoming PAs as they would not want to go through extensive schooling only to become someone's assistant.

• Almost all professions at the level of training of a PA (pharmacy, PT, OT, NP) are or soon will be at the doctorate level. Our education and practice is professional, as should be our title.

• "Assistant" obscures the PA's true role in the practice. Physicians who might otherwise consider a PA do not hire one as they feel they need someone more than just another "assistant".

• All professions should be able to name their profession. "Physician Assistant" both demeans and misrepresents our profession. It is time to claim the name that is both appropriate and our birthright and discard the one that was forced upon us.

The Process

• The profession, ideally through the AAPA Board or HOD, should immediately adopt a policy that states that "Hereafter the profession will work to be retitled "Physician Associate," as it more accurately reflects the profession in the 21st century".

• If the Board or House is reluctant to do this on their own, then the entire profession should be polled using the AAPA's full database.

• This renaming can be done over a number of years, with the ability reserved to use either title in the interim if necessary, depending on state legislation, etc.

• The PA profession should advise organized medicine that this change is not an effort for independent practice but is a move to more accurately describe the scope and status of the profession and place it at a level where it belongs. It should also be explained that the name physician associate had been chosen for us by organized medicine to represent the PA profession 45 years ago. PAs should stress that after 45 years of delivering quality medical care across the entire spectrum of practice, we are choosing a more appropriate name and that we would expect nothing less than the full support of organized medicine, which will also benefit from the change.

• PA programs should include the name physician associate whenever possible--along with the title physician assistant if need be.

• "Physician Associate" allows us continued use of the initials "PA", which are well-known to the public.

• "Associate" does not imply that PAs are equal to physicians. Associate professors are not full professors. Associate deans are not full deans. There are precedents for this.

• The profession should consider funding State-level efforts to effect this change

http://physician-assistant.advanceweb.com/editorial/content/editorial.aspx?cc=219643

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[Mr hawkings]

Doesnt bother me

 

[DocMcCoy]

I'm only a lowly old pre-med about to start medical school but it seems like frivolous semantics to me. I think PAs are an integral part of the healthcare system. There might be some truth behind the argument as well; 'assistant' is a pretty general term that can be easily misconstrued by the public. Is it necessary -absolutely not, but I have to admit it is going to take a pretty good argument to make me believe that this is a bad thing.

My only concern is in a clinical environment. As long as there is a clear division maintained in the healthcare setting between professional and positional titles (i.e. nurses, medics, PAs, etc. with PhDs shouldn't be called doctors in a clinical setting) I don't think title really matters.

 

[werd]

"associates" is a term we usually use to refer to other doctors working in our group... ie cardiology associates of atlanta. "physician associate," i think, is deceptively suggestive that the person is a physician. it seems like semantics, but there is a difference between "assistant to the regional manager," and "assistant regional manager."

 

[Mr hawkings]

"associates" is a term we usually use to refer to other doctors working in our group... ie cardiology associates of atlanta. "physician associate," i think, is deceptively suggestive that the person is a physician. it seems like semantics, but there is a difference between "assistant to the regional manager," and "assistant regional manager."

I see your point but i dont remember the last time i referred to one as a physician's assistant. I usually just call them PAs. I assume thats what most people call them and not the full title. This would probably continue and I doubt if the general public would notice the name change and start thinking that they are physicians. The medical community certainly wont.

In the grand scheme of things, PAs changing their name ranks low on the totem pole of threats to my future profession.

 

[DocMcCoy]

"associates" is a term we usually use to refer to other doctors working in our group... ie cardiology associates of atlanta. "physician associate," i think, is deceptively suggestive that the person is a physician. it seems like semantics, but there is a difference between "assistant to the regional manager," and "assistant regional manager."

I admit this does make sense. But would it ever be an issue in front of a patient? Would an MD or DO cardiology associate ever introduce himself or herself to a patient as strictly a physician associate? Admittedly I don't know the answer but I would guess they usually would not. As long as there is still a way to distinguish between the two professions it seems relatively harmless. The new "physician associates" still won't be able to call themselves 'Doctor' and the PA initials remain.

 

[dilated]

• "Associate" does not imply that PAs are equal to physicians. Associate professors are not full professors. Associate deans are not full deans. There are precedents for this.

Wow, that's disingenuous. Associate professors are fully credentialed professors with tenure, just not full professors. Associate deans are deans, just outranked by full deans. So "physician associates" are physicians, just not full MDs?

 

[Mr hawkings]

I admit this does make sense. But would it ever be an issue in front of a patient? Would an MD or DO cardiology associate ever introduce himself or herself to a patient as strictly a physician associate? Admittedly I don't know the answer but I would guess they usually would not. As long as there is still a way to distinguish between the two professions it seems relatively harmless. The new "physician associates" still won't be able to call themselves 'Doctor' and the PA initials remain.

Maybe the concern is that when a patient sees "cardiology associates" on a letterhead, they they wont be able to determine if its a group of physicians or PAs. This may be a concern with insurance company paperwork.

 

[DocMcCoy]

Maybe the concern is that when a patient sees "cardiology associates" on a letterhead, they they wont be able to determine if its a group of physicians or PAs. This may be a concern with insurance company paperwork.

Good point. I'll buy that.

 

[DocMcCoy]

Wow, that's disingenuous. Associate professors are fully credentialed professors with tenure, just not full professors. Associate deans are deans, just outranked by full deans. So "physician associates" are physicians, just not full MDs?

To muddy the waters further they also have assistant professors that have earned PhDs as well.

 

[hithere3387]

I don't have a problem with it either. However, I do think it's odd that several of the reasons presented for changing the name are so clearly similar or even the same.

 

[Smurfette]

Back to the original title: who are these "50 prominent PAs"? What made them "prominent"?
Just curious, they make it sound like they are top officials or something.

I don't really care about the name change a whole lot...truthfully I think it would just confuse patients as there are many people 'associated' with MDs.

 

[Boatswain2PA]

Maybe the concern is that when a patient sees "cardiology associates" on a letterhead, they they wont be able to determine if its a group of physicians or PAs. This may be a concern with insurance company paperwork.

Mr. Hawkings - you are ignoring the most important part of the PA model - PAs are not physicians, and MUST be supervised by one. There won't be a "group of PAs" without a physician supervising them, therefore it won't really be (strictly) a PA group.

PAs are there to extend the physician's ability to care for patients, AND to extend the physician's ability to make money. Other than a fringe element within the profession, PAs are not striving for independent practice, or the privilege of being called "doctors" in clinical settings - - unlike the DNPs.

 

[tncekm]

Well, it's only a matter of time. Everyone else is beefing up their title... 🙄 Maybe it's time physicians to make themselves sound cooler.

From now on, instead of white coats we'll wear capes and call ourselves "Super Doctors".

 

[DeadCactus]

Well, it's only a matter of time. Everyone else is beefing up their title... 🙄 Maybe it's time physicians to make themselves sound cooler.

From now on, instead of white coats we'll wear capes and call ourselves "Super Doctors".

I've been petitioning to change the physician title to God King of Medicine for years. We could call ourselves "GKoMs" and wear rich velvet capes...

 

[clinicallabguy]

Not overly concerned about it.

Associate: 1. a partner or colleague in business or work, 2. a person with limited or subordinate membership in an organization.

If they want to be Physician Associates, then that's alright with me. If they start introducing themselves as Dr. so and so, then I'll be more concerned. I think we'll all be just fine, though.

 

[deleted87716]

Old news, people. http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=581703

 

[tncekm]

Not overly concerned about it.

Associate: 1. a partner or colleague in business or work, 2. a person with limited or subordinate membership in an organization.

If they want to be Physician Associates, then that's alright with me. If they start introducing themselves as Dr. so and so, then I'll be more concerned. I think we'll all be just fine, though.

It's not just this.

They're pushing really hard to follow the nurses. It's not just a simple name change, they're looking to go the route of the NPs/DNPs and go for all-out autonomy.

 

[tncekm]

I've been petitioning to change the physician title to God King of Medicine for years. We could call ourselves "GKoMs" and wear rich velvet capes...

Hahaha... MD to GKoM is about as fair as a nurse calling themselves "Doctor" in a medical setting.

 

[Starpower]

It's not just this.

They're pushing really hard to follow the nurses. It's not just a simple name change, they're looking to go the route of the NPs/DNPs and go for all-out autonomy.

And everyone should listen to a MS-1, since they obviously know so much about the subject.

 

[tncekm]

And everyone should listen to a MS-1, since they obviously know so much about the subject.

Dude, your statement is entirely illogical. I could be a phucking ballet instructor with no connection to the medical industry and still learn about this topic because it's all over the web. Sure, maybe it's not as big a deal as the nursing issue is now, but people are looking at the nursing model and are beginning to follow suit.

 

[mwppa]

And everyone should listen to a MS-1, since they obviously know so much about the subject.

Wow, he went collegiate on his @ss.

 

[Starpower]

Dude, your statement is entirely illogical. I could be a phucking ballet instructor with no connection to the medical industry and still learn about this topic because it's all over the web. Sure, maybe it's not as big a deal as the nursing issue is now, but people are looking at the nursing model and are beginning to follow suit.

"all over the web", and so that's your research on the subject that led you to state that PAs are going for "all out autonomy"?

Can you provide some links to these sites where PAs are said to be going for "all out autonomy"? If you actually worked with PAs, you'd understand that the public is largely unaware of what they are. Many people think they're the same as medical assistants, unless they see them personally. They were originally called Physician Associates, and some programs still graduate them as such (do you know which ones?)

 

[weightyheart]

They should have gone with assistant physician, which sounds better than physician assistant, which sounds too much like physician's assistant. As others said, physician associate makes them sound like they are physicians.

In any case, the real debate before the medical student community is whether we should change our name to Surgeons and Specialists, to reflect our conceding of primary care to DNPs and assistant physicians.

I've been petitioning to change the physician title to God King of Medicine for years. We could call ourselves "GKoMs" and wear rich velvet capes...

Deadcactus, that would sound way too arrogant.

Grandmasters of Medicine would work better. And, we would give up Doctor to DNPs and PhDs, and claim the honorifics of either Grandmaster, Master, Teacher, or My Lord.

 

[Starpower]

They should have gone with assistant physician, which sounds better than physician assistant, which sounds too much like physician's assistant. As others said, physician associate makes them sound like they are physicians.

In any case, the real debate before the medical student community is whether we should change our name to Surgeons and Specialists, to reflect our conceding of primary care to DNPs and assistant physicians.

Grammatically, it really does fit better to have Associate after Physician, rather than the other way around. Associate Physician designates a Physician.

In case anyone is interested, here's the official letter for you to check out:

Physician Associate: A Change Whose Time Has Come

We, the undersigned physician assistant leaders assert that the time to change the name of our profession has arrived. While we can debate much about a name change, we have all agreed to the below statements and thoughts. We also fully agree that the name change advocated below will advance the profession. We call on the leaders of the profession and all PAs to announce and start to implement this change as soon as possible. We are leaders who believe it is increasingly unwise to wait longer to make this long-needed change. Collectively, the below-signed PAs have given much of their lives to the profession and are dedicated to its advancement.

Why We Need a Change

Our profession’s original name was physician associate. Physicians demanded that “associate” be changed on the grounds that it did not properly describe the desired scope of PA practice. Forty years later we have outgrown the "assistant" title. It no longer accurately represents the profession. It is inaccurate and confuses consumers. The title is misleading and carries negative connotations which we can and should avoid. As we move into a new model of healthcare delivery it is of the utmost importance that our profession’s name accurately describes our role.

Why a Change Is Justified

-- The PA role is truly one of partnership; of association and collegiality. We work as associates and have for many years. Our profession’s birth-name in 1965 was physician associate.

-- “Physicians assistant” is a generic term. It can mean anything: a person in the office that bills patients, a records assistant, the person that sets up and cleans the exam room, all the way to a certified, licensed PA. The profession must move from this generic name to one that aptly and more accurately describes our function

-- In our society, "assistant" denotes a technical job, not a profession.

-- PAs are held to the same legal and medical standards as physicians.

-- The title is confusing and misleading to our patients and the public in general. Since the name practically guarantees that “physician assistants” will be confused with “medical assistants”, patients are at risk of thinking they are receiving substandard care or expect that after the “assistant” a physician will also be seeing them. Most times this does not happen, nor does the physician or the PA expect it to happen. It is time to have the name mirror the reality that exists.

-- The internationalization of PAs is important to the profession. Having to explain that the common meaning of the name “assistant” under-represents our true practice is a barrier, in international forums, to full understanding.

-- The above problems also may keep prospective applicants and others away from becoming PAs as they would not want to go through extensive schooling only to become someone's assistant.

-- Almost all professions at the level of training of a PA (pharmacy, PT, OT, NP) are or soon will be at the doctorate level. Our education and practice is professional, as should be our title.

-- “Assistant” obscures the PA’s true role in the practice. Physicians who might otherwise consider a PA do not hire one as they feel they need someone more than just another "assistant".

-- All professions should be able to name their profession. “Physician Assistant” both demeans and misrepresents our profession. It is time to claim the name that is both appropriate and our birthright and discard the one that was forced upon us.

The Process

-- The profession, ideally through the AAPA Board or HOD, should immediately adopt a policy that states that "Hereafter the profession will work to be retitled "Physician Associate," as it more accurately reflects the profession in the 21st century".

-- If the Board or House is reluctant to do this on their own, then the entire profession should be polled using the AAPA's full database.

-- This renaming can be done over a number of years, with the ability reserved to use either title in the interim if necessary, depending on state legislation, etc.

-- The PA profession should advise organized medicine that this change is not an effort for independent practice but is a move to more accurately describe the scope and status of the profession and place it at a level where it belongs. It should also be explained that the name physician associate had been chosen for us by organized medicine to represent the PA profession 45 years ago. PAs should stress that after 45 years of delivering quality medical care across the entire spectrum of practice, we are choosing a more appropriate name and that we would expect nothing less than the full support of organized medicine, which will also benefit from the change.

-- PA programs should include the name physician associate whenever possible--along with the title physician assistant if need be.

-- “Physician Associate” allows us continued use of the initials "PA", which are well-known to the public.

-- “Associate” does not imply that PAs are equal to physicians. Associate professors are not full professors. Associate deans are not full deans. There are precedents for this.

-- The profession should consider funding State-level efforts to effect this change.

-- The argument that a change will open laws at the State level is a hollow one. This action can be introduced as a "cosmetic" name change amendment which will have no impact on PA practice law. If opposed, the profession can educate the legislature as to the source of the opposition that we are asking for no increased privileges, and the current title is confusing consumers and others

-- This name change should be done BEFORE the profession embarks upon any large public relations campaign. We can effectively brand the profession through the use of the new name, avoiding any confusion of our status when compared with medical, podiatry, chiropractic and other assistants.

Therefore, we the undersigned PAs declare that because of the above reasons and more, the PA profession should adopt the name "Physician Associate" and begin an educational campaign to other medical professionals and the public regarding Physician Associates.

1. Robert M. Blumm, MA, PA-C, DFAAPA, Immediate past president APSPA, Past president AASPA, Immediate past president ACC, Past president NYSSPA, Past AAPA Liaison To ACS, ACC Liaison to ACS, Past Chair Surgical Congress AAPA, Editorial Board Advance for PAs, Clinician 1, Advanced Practice Jobs, past editorial board member Physician Assistant, Clinician News, Author, National Conference Speaker, Consultant, Paragon Award Winner Physician /PA Team, John Kirklin M.D. Award for Excellence in Surgery

2.Robin Morgenstern, PA past AAPA Secretary, past president Illinois Academy of PAs, past Director of the PA Program of Cook County Hospital, Chicago, Past Midwest Advertising manager Clinician Reviews Journal.

3. Maryann Ramos, MPH, PA-C, Founding President NJSSPA, Secretary of the AAPA House of Delegates, Delegate or Alternate for many years; Current Member, Nominating Committee; Current Legislative Chair for Physician Assistants for Latino Health - Puerto Rico; Past President American Academy of Physician Assistants in Occupational Medicine; Established Liaison between occupational physicians and PAs and Affiliate PA Membership in ACOEM; Awarded the Meritorious Civilian Performance Medal, US Army Medical Corps, 2008; Past Federal Civilian PA of the Year 2002(AAPA Veteran's Caucus); Past PA of the Year (AAPA President's Award 1980)

4. Blaine Carmichael, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA, Co-Founder Association, Past president, Vice President and current Delegate at Large of Family Practice Physician Assistants, Founder Bexar County PA Society, Founder, Que Paso - What's Happening PAs of San Antonio, Moderator of PRIMARY PA forum, Board Member, American College of Clinicians, Founding member of PA History, Texas PA of the year, 1990, has published widely and speaks at many national, state and local PA conferences

5. Dave Mittman, PA. Past AAPA Director, Past President NY State Society of PAs, Co-Founder and creator Clinician Reviews Journal and Clinician 1. Co-Founder ACC. First PA in the USAF Reserves. Lifetime PA Achievement Award/President's Award NJSSPA and NYSSPA. Co-Author of first international article regarding PA practice in America published in the BMJ. AAPA National Public Education Award Winner-1983

6. Stephen Henry, PA-C, RNP, Co-Founder California Academy of PAs. Two times President of CAPA. Founding member of Veterans Caucus, Founding Member Occupational Medicine Caucus AAPA. Founding Member ACC. Years in HOD, Numerous committee Chairmanships.

7. Thomas Roselle, PA-C, DFAAPA Past NYSSPA Consultant, PA Entrepreneur, Clinic Owner. Current Secretary, PAs in Otolaryngology Specialty Group.

8. David M. Jones, PA-C, MPAS, DFAAPA, Member, Past Governmental Affairs Council, AAPA Legislative Co-Chair for at least 10 years, Oregon Society of PAs (Chair for the 2009 session), Past President of OSPA (twice), AAPA Co-Rural PA of the year 1988; second term as a member of the PA Committee, Oregon Medical Board

9. Roy Cary, PA-C, DFAAPA Co-founder and past president of The American Academy of Physician Assistants in Legal Medicine. Co-founder in Cary & Associates, LLC and holds a position as Senior Partner. Mr. Cary is also a member of the Physician Assistant Advisory Committee of the Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners. Retired Air Force Major.

10. James R Piotrowski, PA-C, MS , DFAAPA , Co-founder Association of Neurosurgical Physician Assistants , Past president of ANSPA , Past Vice President and board member of FAPA , Co-founder of the FAPA-PAC , Past member Florida BOM PA Committee, Past Trustee of the AAPA PAC and Chairman of the AAPA-PAC , Past PA member of the council of AANS and CNS, Past editor of the ANSPA 's Journal.

11. Lisa D' Andrea Lenell, PA-C, MPAS. Internal Medicine PA, Adjunct Faculty Midwestern University, National Radio Host ReachMD XM160

12. Michael Halasy, MS, PA-C Health Policy Analyst/Researcher. Author of well known PA Blog

13. Gary Falcetano, PA-C, Bariatric Medicine, Stockton NJ, Managing Director – Collaborative Clinical Communications, LLC. Captain (Ret.) US Army Reserve, Past Group Publisher Clinician Reviews / Emergency Medicine / Urgent Care, journals.

14. Charles O'Leary, PA-C, Hominy Family Health Center [FQHC], 35-year practice same site; LTC [Retired] US Army/OKARNG [2 tours Afghanistan, awarded BSM/CMB]; past-OAPA Vice-President, Past OAPA Newsletter Editor, 1992 Oklahoma Rural PA of Year, OU-Tulsa Medical College PA Preceptor, Past Hominy School Board President, Past Commander American Legion Post 142

15. Gerry Keenan PA-C, MMS, Emergency Medicine, AAPA Professional Practices Council, Charter member SEMPA. Charter member AFPPA. Charter member ACC. Bar Harbor, Maine

16. Martin Morales, PA MHA. Director Physician Assistant Services, Long Island Jewish Medical Center / North Shore LIJ Health System.

17. Stephen E. Lyons MS, PA-C, W .Cheyenne Clinic Coordinator, Take Care

18. Robert Nelson, PA-C. Executive Director, Island Eye Surgicenter, LI, NY. Administrator a various surgicenters in NY metropolitan area, Author, Speaker, Director at Large-Outpatient Ophthalmic Surgery Society, Member Corporate Development Planning Committee OOSS, Consultant, Surgical PA 30 years.

19. Eric Holden, PA-C, MPA, EMT-P, DFAAPA. 23 years of practice in emergency medicine. Member of state, federal, and international disaster medical teams. Medical provider at level 1 and 2 trauma ctrs, HMO's, community E.D.'s, rural/under served E.D.'s, and solo provider at high acuity inner city facility. Author of multiple articles in peer reviewed medical journals.

20. Rebecca Rosenberger, MMSc, PA-C, Current President AAPA-AAI

21. j. Michael Jones, MPAS-C, Chair PA Section American Headache Society, Director Cascade Neurologic-Headache Clinic..

22. Pamela Burwell, MS, PA-C. Distinguished Fellow, AAPA . Founder and Director, Peacework Medical Projects. AAPA Humanitarian of the Year
Arizona PA of the Year

23. Eleanor H. Abel, RPAC, MS, CRC Upstate Medical University, Syracuse. Director At Large, NYSSPA. Liaison and membership chair for NYRCA. Medical provider with 22 years of experience in Hematology/Oncology and previously employed in Surgery and also Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Specialize in pain management, advocacy for people with disabilities, Past coordinator and current assistant coordinator for the NYSSPA Public Education Committee

24. Ronald H. Grubman, PA-C Founder, Conmed Inc., 1984. President and CEO for 23 years. Conmed acquired and currently a public company on the NYSE.

25. Ken Harbert, Ph.D., CHES, PA-C, DFAAPA Dean, School of Physician Assistant Studies. South College, Knoxville, TN

26. Eric Schuman, MPAS, PA-C. Adult & Pediatric Neurology Kaiser Permanente Portland, Oregon. Adjunct Assistant Professor, Oregon Health & Science University Physician Assistant Program

27. Charles A. Moxin, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA, Past President Association of Family Practice Physician Assistants, Past AAPA HOD delegate for Family Practice, Past Editorial Board member for Arthritis Practitioner, Author, National Conference Speaker, Pharmaceutical Advisory Board member

28. Kenneth E. Korber, PA PhD(c): Director of Strategic Development - CE Outcomes LLC, Curriculum Architect - First PA Postgraduate Fellowship in Cardiovascular Care, Clinical Associate University of Illinois College of Medicine, Past Member Board of Directors: Association of PAs in Cardiology, Member - Association of Postgraduate PA Programs, Founder - AAPA Medical Writers Special Interest Group; former Faculty - AAPA Chapter Lecture Series.

29. Kenneth DeBarth, RPA-C, Past President NYSSPA, Past NYSSPA Newsletter Editor, Past Secretary/Treasurer South Dakota Academy of PAs, founding editor SDAPA newsletter, past chair AAPA Professional Practices and Relations Committee, former owner Heuvelton Medical Group, NY.

30. Ryan O'Gowan, PA-C, FAPACVS. Acting Manager, NP/PA Critical Care Workgroup. Program Director Physician Assistant Residency In Critical Care
Umass Memorial Healthcare

31. Frank Rodino, PA, MHS, Past Public Education Chair AAPA, Past NYSSPA President. Currently President and CEO Churchill Communications: A Medical/Scientific Communications Company

32. Cindy Burghardt, MS, PA-C, Nephrology PA for Renal Associates, San Antonio, Texas.

33. John Sallis, MBA, MMS, PA-C PA consultant -Negotiation management

34. James Doody, PA-C Director of Pediatrics and Primary Care 1st Health Centers, Assistant Clinical Professor University of Colorado Health Science Center, former Director of Pediatrics Lake Grove School, Editorial Board Member Physician Assistant Magazine, Provider liason Medical Home Initiative for State of Colorado.

35. Karen Fields, MSPAS, PA-C Founder of Medical Mentoring (medicalmentors. net); Cofounder PAWorld.net

36. Richard Mayer, PA. Vice President Provider and Network Development. Lenox Hill Hospital, NY NY

37. Sharon Bahrych, PA-C, MPH, listed in Marquis’s Who’s Who of American Women, published author of 60 lay and medical journal articles, state and national CME presenter,co-founder of APAO, clinical trials researcher with a NIH rated grant, currently working on a PhD.

38. George Berry, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA. Pediatric Trauma Coordinator Regional Pediatric Trauma Center, Schneider Children's Hospital
North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System

39. Lisa F. Campo, MPAS, PA, DFAAPA Past President NYSSPA. Former Chief Delegate/ delegate AAPA HOD; former Committee member Wagner College PA Program Advisory and Admission Committees; President LCFC-LLC Consulting; Advanced Clinical Physician Associate the Mount Sinai Medical Center; practicing PA 30 years.

40. Kristina Marsack, PA-C, President, Association Plastic Surgery PAs, past-Treasurer, APSPA

41. John W. Bullock, PA-C, DFAAPA. Past Chief Consultant to the US Air Force Surgeon General for Physician Assistants, Founding member and past Vice President of PAs in Orthopaedic Surgery. AAPA Federal Services PA of the Year.

42. William Gentry, MPAS, PA-C Senior Physician Assistant-Neurology Audie L. Murphy Veterans Medical Center

43. Harmony Johnson PA-C, MMS President, PAs for Global Health

44. Chris Hanifin, PA-C. NJSSPA Immediate Past President

45. Francis Crosby, Jr, PA-C, MPAS. Founding member, United Kingdom Association for Physician Assistants (UKAPA); Member of Pilot Program for PA utilization in UK; Advisor to University of Wolverhampton (UK) PA Training program; AAPA; Delegate or alternate for many years, Publications award winner, 1987; Fellow Member, Society of Air Force Physician Assistants; Past VP of SAFPA; Past Chair of Nomination Committee; Past Chair of Membership Committee; Past BOD member; Associate Member, Royal College of Physicians Edinburgh; Retired from USAF as Lt Col; Former Commander, Medical Operations Squadron.

46. David L. Patten, PA-C, COL, SP, TXARNG. Deputy Commander for Texas Medical Command

47. Michael France, CCRC, MPAS, PA-C, Director of Clinical Research, Alamo Medical Research, MAJ USAF Retired

48. Robert L. Hollingsworth, DHSc, MS, PA-C. Owner, Sole Provider Red Springs Family Medicine Clinic, N.C. Preceptor for the Physician Assistant Programs at Methodist College in Fayetteville, N.C, Duke University in Durham N.C. and East Carolina University, in Greenville, N.C. Active preceptor for several Nurse Practitioner Programs within the state. Former Instructor: Methodist College Physician Assistant Program

49. James C. Allen, IV, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA; Director, Physician Assistant Clinical Training Programs, University of Texas Medical Branch-Galveston/Correctional Managed Care; Former Secretary Bexar County PA Society 2003-2005; Dual Certified Aerospace Physiologist; US air Force Aerospace Physiologist of the Year 2003; Past President Towner-Shafer Society, US Air Force 1993-1994; Retired US Air Force Major

50. Michelle Ederer, MA, RPA-C Past President, New York State Society of PAs.

http://www.physicianassistantforum....nal-Name-Change?highlight=physician+associate

 

[VA Hopeful Dr]

Mr. Hawkings - you are ignoring the most important part of the PA model - PAs are not physicians, and MUST be supervised by one. There won't be a "group of PAs" without a physician supervising them, therefore it won't really be (strictly) a PA group.

PAs are there to extend the physician's ability to care for patients, AND to extend the physician's ability to make money. Other than a fringe element within the profession, PAs are not striving for independent practice, or the privilege of being called "doctors" in clinical settings - - unlike the DNPs.

This is true for now, but you can look around and see why we might be wary of anything that could possibly be considered a step in the direction of independent practice.

 

[JaggerPlate]

I get the issues with this one ... but it won't bug me as much as the DNP issue until they are introducing themselves as Dr Noctor, and creating dermatology residencies.

Also, I think it will just hurt what they've achieved and confuse people more. A lot of people know PA = Physician Assistant ... if you change it now, it will just be more confusion in an already super, duper muddled sea of titles in a clinical setting.

 

[VA Hopeful Dr]

"all over the web", and so that's your research on the subject that led you to state that PAs are going for "all out autonomy"?

Can you provide some links to these sites where PAs are said to be going for "all out autonomy"? If you actually worked with PAs, you'd understand that the public is largely unaware of what they are. Many people think they're the same as medical assistants, unless they see them personally. They were originally called Physician Associates, and some programs still graduate them as such (do you know which ones?)

Why do you care what the public thinks? I'm going into family med, and there will be more than a few patients who think my only job is to refer them to specialists. Why would I waste time and effort caring about what people like that think? Do your job, serve your patients well. They'll realize what your true role is and they'll spread the word. My little brother sees the PA at the local derm practice. My parents were a little apprehensive at first, but after the first visit they were sold and told everyone in the family so.

 

[badasshairday]

Guys, I think you are worrying about nothing. PA's went to PA school knowing the scope of practice involves a supervising physician. NP's on the other hand go to school with the idea of independent practice in there sites.

My fiancee is in PA school, her classmates went into it knowing the model of health care that PA's deliver, they accept it as that. They would not want it any different. All in all, PA's a great people for the health care team. Talk to PA's, they know there roles, and are damn good at it. This can't be said about the other form of mid-level provider... that purposely misleads patients..... noctor.

Honestly, the "assistant" thing makes the title sound like a secretary. "Associate" really isn't changing it too much, except not sounding like a secretary, plus allows them to keep the "PA" acronym.

 

[basupran]

Not overly concerned about it.

Associate: 1. a partner or colleague in business or work, 2. a person with limited or subordinate membership in an organization.

If they want to be Physician Associates, then that's alright with me. If they start introducing themselves as Dr. so and so, then I'll be more concerned. I think we'll all be just fine, though.

I am pretty sure that that a PA doctorate is in the works (much like audiology, physical therapy, nursing practive). This would mean an introduction along the lines of Dr. ______, physician associate.

 

[Starpower]

I am pretty sure that that a PA doctorate is in the works (much like audiology, physical therapy, nursing practive). This would mean an introduction along the lines of Dr. ______, physician associate.

There already is a Doctorate PA program, offered through the U.S. Army.

http://physician-assistant.advanceweb.com/editorial/content/editorial.aspx?cc=196528

It came up at one of the last big meetings, and was pretty well shot down ... some individuals might be for it, but PAs aren't generally interested in making a move towards Doctorate programs.

 

[mwppa]

A PA doctoral program is absurd. I always thought the concept of PAs was to quickly train providers to meet the needs of the underserved. If you extend the program into a doctoral degree, you are defeating that purpose. I personally feel that the fact that 120 of the PA programs are Masters programs are ridiculous. I know I will get flamed for this, but as a grad of a certificate program from UCD, I will argue anyone that states that my education was inferior to a PA masters program. I went into the program with about 3 years of college (AA with 1 year upper division.)

I have no desire to be called doctor either. Well, maybe I would like to sometimes but only if I actually went to medical school and earned it. I still may do that one day but I'd have to start from scratch which is the one thing I'm bummed about. 🙁

 

[J1515]

I am pretty sure that that a PA doctorate is in the works (much like audiology, physical therapy, nursing practive). This would mean an introduction along the lines of Dr. ______, physician associate.

Exactly. Couldn't have said it better myself. You'd have to be blind to not see the path this "physician associate" nonsense is taking.

An "associate" is someone who is on a level playing field. As per Merriam-webster dictionary:

associate: to join as a partner, companion, or friend

PAs are not partners to physicians. They are not on equal footing. This will absolutely 100% confuse the public. Why can't midlevels just do their jobs and stop trying to be doctors? Enough already. If you wanted to be doctors you should've gone to medical school, period. You all knew exactly what you were signing up for when you went to PA/NP school. Whether you didn't have the grades for medical school or didn't want to put in the 7-12 years of training after college, you are not entitled to be a "doctor" simply because you want to be one.

 

[mwppa]

Exactly. Couldn't have said it better myself. You'd have to be blind to not see the path this "physician associate" nonsense is taking.

An "associate" is someone who is on a level playing field. As per Merriam-webster dictionary:

associate: to join as a partner, companion, or friend

PAs are not partners to physicians. They are not on equal footing. This will absolutely 100% confuse the public. Why can't midlevels just do their jobs and stop trying to be doctors? If you wanted to be doctors, you should've gone to medical school, period. You all knew exactly what you were signing up for when you went to PA/NP school. Whether you didn't have the grades for medical school or didn't want to put in the 7-12 years of training after college, you are not entitled to be a "doctor" simply because you want to be one.

That was about as foolish of a statement as I've ever seen. Under your definition, we should be happy being PA = Physician's @sshole since we are not worthy of anything remotely approach the respect of you since we didn't go to med school. It's people like you that should have to do your own grunt work to humble you and make you value what others bring to the table.

 

[Neuro Surg]

Pretty soon it'll be "Doctor nurse, Doctor physician associate, Doctor this, Doctor that". Since everyone else is clamoring to have their titles adjusted upward, perhaps we should too.

Using the same logic: there is more medical knowledge now than there was 40 years ago--> physicians must learn and apply more material now than their predecessors--> therefore, quite obviously, physicians should have their title adjusted. Just, what would we change our title to?

My favorite excerpt from this article is:
"The title [PA] is confusing and misleading to our patients and the public in general. Since the name practically guarantees (subjective) that "physician assistants" will be confused with "medical assistants", patients are at risk of thinking they are receiving substandard care or expect that after the "assistant" a physician will also be seeing them."--- That is an overtly hypocritical statement. When you have every level of healthcare personnel being called "doctor", how is that not confusing to the patient? I can see it now, going to the hospital to get treatment will be like getting the run-around from an undergrad registrar's office.

 

[mwppa]

For those MDs and MD wannabees on this forum, would you be satisfied calling yourself a Physician Associate or even Associate Physician? I highly doubt it. You are a Physician, a Doctor, an MD, nothing less. That being said, how can you imply that a name change is in any way making PAs sound "equal" with Physicians? This isn't really about any of you being concerned with public confusion as it is your ego not wanting ANYONE but you to receive any level of respect or regard.

 

[J1515]

That was about as foolish of a statement as I've ever seen. Under your definition, we should be happy being PA = Physician's @sshole since we are not worthy of anything remotely approach the respect of you since we didn't go to med school. It's people like you that should have to do your own grunt work to humble you and make you value what others bring to the table.

I do my own grunt work genius, I'm a resident. But your inferiority complex is astounding, since you just declared yourselves "physician's @sshole." That pretty much sums up your entire motivation for this name change crap. You cannot work without physicians - therefore you are assistants. That's not being disrepsectful, that's being truthful in your job description. You are not associates.

I never said ANYTHING about respect. I never mentioned the word. You appear to be the only one infatuated with it. What I did say is that if you want to be a doctor, you have to go to medical school. The fact that YOU equate only *doctors* with *respect* is your own shortcoming. Don't expect an entire profession to change it's name just so you could mess around with semantics and get people to think you are a physician. You're not fooling anybody. There will in fact be a PA doctorate in the near future. At this point you will be glad to greet patients as "Hi, I'm Dr. mwppa, cardiology associate, what brings you in today?"

I think you're just upset that nobody is being fooled by this "innocent title change" because everyone sees 3 or 4 steps ahead of it.

This isn't really about any of you being concerned with public confusion as it is your ego not wanting ANYONE but you to receive any level of respect or regard.

Phew! Thank god you could tell us all what we're thinking 🙄

There is no confusion the way things are now. Changing things absolutely will confuse the public. Give me a break, nobody mistakes PAs for medical assistants. I work with PAs and there is zero confusion. Just do your job and stop whining that you can't be called doctor. Otherwise go to medical school just like the rest of us.

 

[mwppa]

Why is it that everyone else is supposed to quit whining about everything EXCEPT doctors. They feel the need to whine and complain about everyone and it is somehow acceptable. I imagine the answer to that is because of the fact that this is "studentdoctor.net"

 

[J1515]

Why is it that everyone else is supposed to quit whining about everything EXCEPT doctors. They feel the need to whine and complain about everyone and it is somehow acceptable. I imagine the answer to that is because of the fact that this is "studentdoctor.net"

Doctors do vent about things...annoying patients, reimbursement rates, hours worked in residency. These are things out of their control, hence they deal with them but venting off some steam helps. Compare this to midlevels who are not only venting, they are drastically trying to change things because everyone wants more for less (ie - the title of doctor without the rigorous admissions and curriculum of medical school and residency). I don't think PAs and NPs realize they are doing more harm than good by this movement.

 

[weightyheart]

PAs are not asking to be called doctor in the hospital or trying to practice medicine independent of physician oversight. In comparison to DNPs who are, this is virtually a nonissue. I'm fine with changing the name to physician associates because it doesnt change the care that is delivered to patients.

The real problem and absurdity is how DNPs think that nursing and medicine are the same, and that nurses and doctors can provide the same level of care to sick patients. Who actually believes this?

 

[st0w]

• "Physicians assistant" is a generic term. It can mean anything: a person in the office that bills patients, a records assistant, the person that sets up and cleans the exam room, all the way to a certified, licensed PA. The profession must move from this generic name to one that aptly and more accurately describes our function.

Without getting into the middle of the other debate going on here, I found it interesting that they're claiming "Physician assistant" is generic, but "Physician associate" is somehow different. PA has come to be a recognizable function, and I feel like all of a sudden changing it to a similarly generic-meaning term doesn't make the name any more specific.

 

[exPCM]

PAs are not asking to be called doctor in the hospital or trying to practice medicine independent of physician oversight. In comparison to DNPs who are, this is virtually a nonissue. I'm fine with changing the name to physician associates because it doesnt change the care that is delivered to patients.

The real problem and absurdity is how DNPs think that nursing and medicine are the same, and that nurses and doctors can provide the same level of care to sick patients. Who actually believes this?

48. Robert L. Hollingsworth, DHSc, MS, PA-C. Owner, Sole Provider Red Springs Family Medicine Clinic, N.C. Preceptor for the Physician Assistant Programs at Methodist College in Fayetteville, N.C, Duke University in Durham N.C. and East Carolina University, in Greenville, N.C. Active preceptor for several Nurse Practitioner Programs within the state. Former Instructor: Methodist College Physician Assistant Program

Sounds like independent practice to me

 

[deleted87716]

48. Robert L. Hollingsworth, DHSc, MS, PA-C. Owner, Sole Provider Red Springs Family Medicine Clinic, N.C. Preceptor for the Physician Assistant Programs at Methodist College in Fayetteville, N.C, Duke University in Durham N.C. and East Carolina University, in Greenville, N.C. Active preceptor for several Nurse Practitioner Programs within the state. Former Instructor: Methodist College Physician Assistant Program

Sounds like independent practice to me

More info:

http://www.news-line.com/onenews.la...s*&-KeyValue=1479&-token.profession=PA&type=f

 

[Maybeknot]

Agree that "physician associate" sounds too much like "associate physician." How's about "provider associate" or something of that nature?

 

[deleted87716]

Agree that "physician associate" sounds too much like "associate physician." How's about "provider associate" or something of that nature?

I suggest "Assistant to the Regional Manager." 🙄

 

[DeadCactus]

To counter this encroachment on physician territory, I say physicians begin wearing epaulets on their white coats...

 

[Starpower]

... (ie - the title of doctor without the rigorous admissions and curriculum of medical school and residency).

NO PA IS ASKING TO BE CALLED DOCTOR. Stop spouting off your own conjecture and supposition and then expect everyone to take it as fact. Back up your statements with references or stop stating. PAs aren't looking for autonomy, they're looking to put a more solid foot down in this current age of NPs trying to steal the thunder away from other medical providers (i.e. MDs, DOs, and PAs).

I get that you're a resident who needs to scapegoat your feelings of anger at being a lower sport at the moment. But honestly, just because you're passionate about a certain belief or point of view doesn't give it automatic credibility. I also get that you're very defensive about your profession ... I'm defensive about your profession. I look forward to working with and around Doctors (real ones) for the rest of my life. If someday I reach a level of experience where I can practice with a large degree of autonomy (Docs still have to review a mandatory percentage of charts, regardless), then great. But I will not do that until I'm ready, and that's if and when. I deeply admire the Doctors who are training me on my rotations, and who have given countless hours of their time in my lectures. I will never profess to have their knowledge base, but I also will never allow anyone to discredit the amount of education I have gone through.

Finally, you think just because you have a n=2 that the rest of the world follows their mindset? I can tell you for a fact that I've already had people ask me (as a student) when I'll be moving on to medical school. They hear the word "assistant" and they think something other than what is true. They can't understand that I want to be a PA. And no, PAs truly don't assist, unless they're in surgery. Guess what, I'll actually be seeing the patients on my own (gasp), which is what I'm being trained to do (levels 4 and 3, I acknowledge, while the Docs are freed up to see the more serious cases). Of course, I'll always be available to help with a rearticulation or what have you, I would hope anyone else would do the same for me.

I can guarantee you that someday you'll be happy to have the PA see the back pain or finger boo-boo, so that you can attend to your code. Not to say that there aren't PAs who tend to codes, but those tend to have years of experience, either before or after their PA education.

I dunno, maybe I really do live in dream land ... but I think it is wrong for anyone to portray themselves in a clinical setting as a Doctor of Medicine, I don't care who they are.

 

[J1515]

NO PA IS ASKING TO BE CALLED DOCTOR. Stop spouting off your own conjecture and supposition and then expect everyone to take it as fact. Back up your statements with references or stop stating.

As people have said, give it a few years. This is the first step. I'm sure people said it was completely innocent when nurses wanted to add "practitioner" to their title because they do in fact 'practice' as opposed to an RN. Then they start their special doctorate program, but everyone ignored it because we all know only doctor's can call themselves doctor in the hospital setting. Finally when they decide their education is equivalent to a physician, now the physicians open their eyes and see what's going on. Call it conjecture all you want. But doctors taking the "let's just wait and see what happens" attitude have gotten screwed in the past, so forgive me if they're not willing to sit back and watch it happen again with PAs.

PAs aren't looking for autonomy, they're looking to put a more solid foot down in this current age of NPs trying to steal the thunder away from other medical providers (i.e. MDs, DOs, and PAs).

Changing physician assistant to physician associate will do nothing but confuse patients into thinking you are a partner to physicians. Not an accurate description. PAs already have autonomy, especially compared to 40 years ago. There are PAs who run small ERs in rural towns, there are surgery PAs who close up while the physician leaves to attend to other business. I read an article before about a PA who has his own family practice clinic in some rural town. The whole "assistant" thing is the only thing hurting their egos.

I get that you're a resident who needs to scapegoat your feelings of anger at being a lower sport at the moment.

Poor attempt at a personal attack. My concern is purely directed at midlevels who are trying to act the part of doctor with ~ 1/2 the medical training. I assure you I am exactly where I want to be in my medical career and am loving every second of it. No scapegoats, no misdirected anger.

But honestly, just because you're passionate about a certain belief or point of view doesn't give it automatic credibility.

I never said it did. SDN is composed of a bunch of people giving opinions.

I also get that you're very defensive about your profession ... I'm defensive about your profession. I look forward to working with and around Doctors (real ones) for the rest of my life. If someday I reach a level of experience where I can practice with a large degree of autonomy (Docs still have to review a mandatory percentage of charts, regardless), then great. But I will not do that until I'm ready, and that's if and when. I deeply admire the Doctors who are training me on my rotations, and who have given countless hours of their time in my lectures.

Then you are not part of the problem. You should share your thoughts with your colleagues and try to get them to see the light. You are having a difficult time comprehending because you do not share the same mindset as the PAs who are fighting for this name change garbage. Let's be real - nobody confuses medical assistants with PAs. Nobody cares. Patients just want to be taken care of.

I will never profess to have their knowledge base, but I also will never allow anyone to discredit the amount of education I have gone through.

No one is discrediting anything. You are just interpreting it that way. There are facts that exist though. Four years of medical school vs two years of PA school. 3-7 year residency vs. no residency. USMLE steps 1,2,3 + board certification vs. one PA certification test after graduating. The education is different. Not better or worse, just different. Therefore 'associate' is not the right term as it will fool patients into thinking 'same' as physician.

Finally, you think just because you have a n=2 that the rest of the world follows their mindset? Maybe you think you know all there is, but I can tell you for a fact that I've already had people ask me (as a student) when I'll be moving on to medical school. They hear the word "assistant" and they think something other than what is true. They can't understand that I want to be a PA.

So you explain it to them. Big deal. How many patients ask you that? One? Two? Do they not let you see them? This is similar to pre-meds saying they don't want to be a DO because they don't want to explain to every patient what it stands for...doesn't happen in the real world. I'd venture a guess that more people know what a PA is than a DO.

And no, PAs truly don't assist, unless they're in surgery. Guess what, I'll actually be seeing the patients on my own (gasp), which is what I'm being trained to do (levels 4 and 3, I acknowledge, while the Docs are freed up to see the more serious cases). Of course, I'll always be available to help with a rearticulation or what have you, I would hope anyone else would do the same for me.

But PAs do assist - they assist by seeing fast track patients, they assist by pre-oping and post-oping patients, they assist by seeing some of the bread and butter cases in the office, they assist by covering a floor in the hospital and reporting back to the physician. It's not in the literal sense of the word, as they are not standing there handing the doctor his pen and clipboard, but it is the most accurate description of what they do. An associate would be the doctor (partner) who is covering in the hospital for your own personal physician because he has office hours and can't see his patients right away.

I can guarantee you that someday you'll be happy to have the PA see the back pain or finger boo-boo, so that you can attend to your code. Not to say that there aren't PAs who tend to codes, but those tend to have years of experience, either before or after their PA education.

Despite what you are thinking, I'm not anti-PA. I work with good ones who just put their heads down, do their jobs and collect their paycheck. They're dependable and I want them there.

I dunno, maybe I really do live in dream land ... but I think it is wrong for anyone to portray themselves in a clinical setting as a Doctor of Medicine, I don't care who they are.

Again, you are not one of the "problems" here so it's difficult for you to understand. That's why it looks like I'm attacking PAs in your eyes. It's not an attack, it's not a movement on my part to remove midlevels from medicine. It's an attempt to maintain status quo since the system is NOT broken as far as midlevels are concerned and there's no good reason to change.

 

[M.Furfur]

.

 

[cyclohexanol]

To counter this encroachment on physician territory, I say physicians begin wearing epaulets on their white coats...

Ditch the white coat and adopt our own coat.

Have to admit, you can't argue with this badassery... let us adopt the civil war officers uniform (with sword of course)!