From the Research
The physician assistant profession has been adopted by numerous countries beyond the United States, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, the Netherlands, and others, as a means to address physician shortages and improve healthcare access. According to a recent study 1, eighteen countries have a PA profession, with an estimated total of more than 132,000 clinically active PAs and 366 training programs. The countries that have adopted the PA profession include:
- Canada, with established PAs primarily in Ontario, Manitoba, and New Brunswick
- The United Kingdom, which has integrated PAs (now called physician associates) into their National Health Service since the early 2000s
- Australia, which has developed the profession with programs at several universities
- The Netherlands, which has formally recognized PAs since 2003
- South Africa, which employs clinical associates, similar to PAs, particularly in rural areas
- Other countries with established PA professions, such as Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Ghana, and India
Each country has adapted the PA model to fit their specific healthcare needs, with the core concept remaining consistent: these professionals work under physician supervision with varying degrees of autonomy, helping to address physician shortages, improve healthcare access, and provide cost-effective care 2. The scope of practice, education requirements, and regulatory frameworks differ across countries, reflecting local healthcare systems and needs 3.