An extra PAir of hands? The debate over regulating physician associates

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Cover Story

An extra PAir of hands? The debate over regulating physician associates

Hands illustration CR Claudio Schwarz on Unsplash
[Image: Claudio Schwarz on Unsplash]

We are on our summer break and the editorial office is closed until 13 January. In the meantime, please enjoy our Summer Hiatus series, in which our journalists curate an eclectic mix from our news and clinical archives throughout the year, The Conversation and other publications we share content with. Please note the comment function has been turned off while we are away. Happy reading!

This article was first published online on 12 April 2024.

From Patrice: PAs have been a controversial addition to the health workforce in some parts of the world. In this cover story, Fiona Cassie looks at the debate and asks whether PAs are a much-needed extra pair of hands, or a smokescreen diverting resources away from an established workforce

We do not think physician associates are an affordable alternative to doctors Are physician associates a much-needed extra source of safe hands f