'Huge demand' as studies begin for Alberta's inaugural class of physician assistants
CBC
Alberta's first crop of students studying to become physician assistants have hit the books at the University of Calgary and, at a time when the health-care system is under strain, demand for the program is high.
Physician assistants, also known as PAs, work under the supervision of a doctor and can examine, diagnose and treat patients.
The University of Calgary's new, two-year master of physician assistant studies program began training its first cohort of students just a few weeks ago.
It is hoped the program will help address a shortage of health-care providers
And demand far exceeded capacity, with 200 applicants vying for 20 provincially funded spots.
"It's a very popular program like all physician assistant programs across the country," said Dr. Rahim Kachra, the program's medical director.
"We've been really excited to see the interest."
Kachra believes one of the program's key advantages is its ability to produce highly skilled clinicians in two years.
"This accelerated training allows us to quickly bolster the health-care workforce and improve access to care, particularly in areas facing critical shortages."
According to Kachra, 65 per cent of the current crop of students comes from Alberta.
"We're really excited about having a cohort that really does represent the communities in which they will live and serve," he said.
Once they've graduated, he said, the PAs will have opportunities in a variety of environments including inpatient and outpatient care in both rural communities and large urban centres.
"I get emails on a regular basis from zone medical leads across the province, from sub-specialists, from family medicine clinics," he said.
"I think everyone's quickly recognizing the advantages of having a physician assistant join their team-based care models."
