PA Leaders Issue Statement For Name Change
Posted 3 years, 2 months ago by Dave Mittman in Acute Care/Emergency Medicine and Women's Health
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.
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Discussion
The time has come. Lets help to make this 50,000 PAs who call for this change! Tell everyone you know that there is an alternative to the dreaded “assistant”
Elayne D
... and the quest continues ... and continues ,,, and continues. Best of luck; I mean it.
It is a good idea for PAs and NPs.
The graduates of the early PNP programs in NY were called ‘Pediatric Nurse Associates’ because all nurses were considered ‘practitioners’ by the State so the title of Nurse Practitioner was not an option at that time. However, when I moved to another state...title was NP.
Name change consideration makes everyone analyze and evaluate these roles in the Health Care system and society in general. The two entities currently play a big role, and there is future prospect of an even greater health care role. The two entities are very versatle...primary care as well as subspecialty. Lots of talent, intelligence, knowledge and gifts to offer. Pretty amazing group of individuals !!!
Hats off to us all,
KH in AZ
This is fantastic!
I believe we ARE a separate entity as a class of mid level practitioners. If no change in the profession name, then a conversion program should be adopted by Medical Schools throughout the US, and abroad, for matriculation to an MD degree for those who desire progression. Becoming a PA “Doctorate Level” makes no sense to me. We will always be the ones wearing the short pants until the profession gets the recognition it rightfully deserves.
C.E. Fusco, MD NMD, PA-C (OEM)
right on to the revolution!
add my name to the list and let me know if you want me to write a letter of my own!
I would prefer a title for the consumer which all mid-levels would use such as Advanced Practitioner-PA, Advanced Practitioner-FNP, etc. We need a common title which unifies all mid-level practitioners, but still allows us to keep our background identity. The purpose of the name should serve the patient, not our politics or preferences. Patients want to know they are being evaluated and treated by someone qualified. There is a problem with the word nurse in any title-too many levels of education and function. As stated above, there is a problem with the title physician assistant. I would like to see PA’s and NP’s unified, by finding common ground on a title both professions can live with, but most importantly, helps reassure the patient that the person treating them is competent and legal to do so.
Ditto here!! Add my name as well.
Yes! In regards to mhh! Several years ago the American College of Clinicians released a position statement in support of changing our title (both NP and PA) to APC - Advanced Practice Clinician- Since that time you will see the title used by various reporters/organizations etc.
ElayneD
Can’t agree more with this movement! PA should equal, Physician Associate NOT Assistant. I applaud every effort to change our professions name to Physician Associate across the US and/or world!
Feel free to add my name to this list.
Peter Schuman, RPA-C, RT(R), RDMS, RVT, CCD, CDT
Chief PA, Department of Medical Imaging
St. Peter’s Hospital
Albany, New York
I agree wholeheartedly with “mhh2010”, our titles need to be unified across the board so there isn’t a confusion of “who is better qualified to treat” or “when will you finish medical school and become a doctor”. If the names were unified with the “Advanced Practitioner-PA or -FNP” as suggested by “mhh2010” that would show that, as midlevel providers, we are equally qualified to diagnose and treat and we are not “just” assistants and confused for another MA.
I agree! All the time I get confused with being an “MA.” I tend to tell people in my social life that I got a Masters degree and am a practicing PA. Hopefully, they can connect the dots and realize what being a PA means.
Lets do it this time....I’ve seen this issue pop up over and over in my 16 years of practice and always it seems to get put on the back burner. What’s it gonna take to get this done? Whatever it is I’m in!!
How can we foster this change? I am the son, grandson, and great grandson of extremely well-credentialed MD’s, the son, grandson, and brother of nurses, as well as the brother of another PA-C and am proud to represent our profession. I found out last week that a friend of 30 years who was best man at my wedding seems to have thought all these years that I am a “medical assistant” with a degree that could have been earned in one year. Astounding to me. I’ve always felt that the term “assistant” carried with it images of “dental assistant” and “medical assistant” and did not even remotely convey the nature of our profession to those unfamiliar with the profession. But I was horrified to discover firsthand that even those who should know better continue to have an impression that doesn’t come close to the reality of what we do and where we stand in the “hierarchy” of medical professionals. And, let’s face it, it IS a hierarchy.
Where can we formally add our names to the list who fully support not just a name change but specifically THIS name change - I’ve always felt that P.A. should stand for physician “associate.”
Jon Boren, PA-C
I agree with the change, how do we add our name to the list?
Agree on a change of any sort away from the word assistant. How do we (ahem, AAPA) actually make it happen vs being another soap box stance?
Perhaps we do not need the AAPA? There have been several grass roots movements of late to really take hold that I encourage the use of “viral spread”
The term: Advanced Practice Clinician introduced several years ago to use when describing us in the plural (NP/PA) is taking hold. We now see it in print.
There are NO more DTC commercials which use the phrase” Only your DR. can diagnose....” . Both ,these changes came about in direct response to efforts of those of us who are not active in the AAPA or the AANP as well as through electronic media.
There are so many reasons that the AAPA will not take on this issue, in my opinion. I am actually OK with that, because I think that they are so intritically involved with Medicine that they are unable to see a way to do this. So be it.
I think that the movement for title change.needs to build on sites like this, the PA forum, NP info. etc. It also begins in the legislatures of all states - title change must be addressed at all levels, but it really can begin here.
ElayneD
The term PA is used a lot on Clinician 1. I don’t hear NP that much, unless needed. Perhaps this is because PA’s are predominently male and NP’s are predominently female...even though we basically have very similiar practices? I refer you to my previous posts and additions to Dave mITTMAN’S bLOG AND MAIL CORRESPONDENCE WITH dAVE. we, ALONG WITH OUR PHYSICIAN COLLEAGUES ARE HEALTHCARE OR FAMILY PRACTITIONERS, OR CLINICIAN,S SO THE NAME FOR IT ALL NEEDS TO BE CONSISTENT AS DOES THE CURRICULUM AND TRAINING PROCESS AND STANDEARDS. (SORRY, MY FONT SWITCHED WHILE i WAS TYPING BUT i DON’T HAVE TIME TO RE-TYPE---it PEOPLE???? hELP HERE?)(
tHANKS,
dANA
Thank you all for your dittos. Has anyone been up to dissecting the new health bill chapter by chapter? What exact language is used for mid-levels now? If anyone wants to do a chapter per week/you can access the bill at Thomas.gov., let me know, as I would like to dive in and be very well versed and clear on what the new law is.
I think we should say (Healthcare Practitioner) to refer to all primary care physicians, interal and family medicine physicians, PA’s and, of course, nurse practitioners. Sheesh. It ain’t rocket science.
HP = Healthcare Provider
Hey people, send the statement around to your PA colleagues and let them know change is in the air.
How do we do it? Don’t know but stay tuned.
I thank you all for the support in this and let’s keep it going forward............
Dave
Hi Dana, et al:
There are approximaely 75,000 PAs in the United states and the official census was that 68% of the profession is FEMALE. this represents a great change from our roots but has been consistant growing this way for the past fifteen years. I am excited that so many of you are responding positively and are willing to sign on to lists that will be prepared. A small committee will be discusiing how to best facilitate this but keep sending your encouraging remarks to Clinician1 and send the statement to all the PAs in your address book. I would like to see this as a main topic of discussion at the 2011 HOD.
Bob Blumm
Agreed.
Steve Moss, PA
Let’s get this ball rolling!
William F. Joyce, PA-C, MBA
This has been tried before. I supported it fully then and will do the same this time. Failure in the past related to Docs being threatened by the change. They believed that it was a step toward independent practice. In order for this to succeed, we MUST assure them that this in NO WAY changes our relationship with them and without them, we do not exist. I agree wholeheartedly that now is time for this change. It is long over due. As an aside, my diploma reads Physician Associate. As I understand it, the University of Oklahoma is the last or one of the last programs to confer the degree of Physician Associate. Let’s make it happen this time!
Please send or post more information about becoming more intimately involved with this long-overdue change!
The AAPA & NCCPA should drop everything and move this issue to the top of the list. I agree that the name change should be official before the upcoming public relations campaigns regarding health care reform. I have been a PA for 3 years and this if by far the biggest hurdle to my professional growth. I am so sick and tired of explaining to patients why they are “just seeing the assistant”, it is degrading and in no way descriptive of the training and professional expertise. It has gotten to the point where I use the term “PA” and only say “physician assistant” if it is tortured out of me like a Jack Bauer interrogation.
Please add me to the list,
Zac Sowa, PA-C
Sports Medicine/Orthopaedics
Decatur, IL
Hopefully we will have more details soon. At this point just let everyone know of the statement.
BTW, Yale and Duke’s PA programs are still PHYSICIAN ASSOCIATE programs.
Dave
Start an online petition on Clinician One, and let’s see how many signatures we can get. In the petition, add a radio button to acknowledge if a signatory is a member of AAPA, and even ask for the membership number. If there are enough members, AAPA may carry on the fight with us.
Geoffrey Hoffa, PA-C
I agree with Geoffrey Hoffa ....lets make some noise to AAPA!!
Lisa Hauerland PA-C
I’ve seen this and heard this before. I hope this time the change actually occurs. I back this long overdue change 110%.
stanford is also an “associate “ program
Reminds me.....
The original NP name was “nurse associate” also. I do not think the AMA made them change. Just that it sounded too handmaiden(ish)??? In actuality it would have also created an “associate path” that both professions could have entered, but that now muddies this conversation. Thart one is for another thread.
Onward towards associate for PAs!!!!!!
Dave
How about the idea that Bob Blumm posted regarding going before the HOD in 2011? If each state chapter brought forth a state resolution for 2011, then there would literally not be any discussion on the floor of the house, it would just be passed. AAPA could not ignore this momentum! Another way to do is to appoint several prominent PAs in each state to go before their state legislature and have a bill passed (it may not even take this, it may just be a change in state medical board rules and regs for PAs) to have the name changed. I’ll make a bet that it would end up being just going before the state medical boards and having the rules and regs changed to reflect the new name.
I had to do a mimi blog to put these on the site.
Please send the link to friends who are on Clinician 1.
Think about the question.........
http://clinician1.com/blog/david_mittman_view/simple_question_about_the_pa_assistant_part_of_the_name/
What about we Nurse Practitioners?
Dana: That is for another post. Start one and ask if NPs are unhappy with the name?
Most of my NP friends could live with it. Most also say it is confusing and people think they are LPNs and of course we both get the “so when do you graduate (or become a real doctor) questions.
Not like “assistant” to PAs which many of us can not at all understand how we deal with it’s negatives.
Start another post.
Dave
Here, Here, add me to the list.
OK, now I’ve got it,
We must ensure that we do not associate the name change with a any move toward independent practice. However, many NP’s advocate that very thing, so tying the two professions together in some Advanced Practitioner title would not work..
I’ve wanted this to happen since before I even went into PA school!!!!
My only concern is, what about all the laws in the law books of every state? Would they have to be re-written and re-voted on due to the technicality of the name change?
Oops my bad, just read the part about the “cosmetic name change” amendment. Let’s go for it!!!!!
To answer your question DermPA David, this would not be a difficult action to accomplish as many of our legal people feel that it can be a brush stroke as it was in 1990 when we brushed away the apostophe s from our titile. This requires no need to reveiw every statute in the books as this profession is needed to supply medical care to the masses. We need to have confidence that what we do and who we are is essential to health care in the United States.
Bob Blumm, PA-C
Physician Associate
Add my name is support of this “paradigm shift”. As a PA that works in a the Los Angeles MUP (Medically Underserved Population), there is a need for solid identification as a Healthcare Provider, licensed. For ten years in Los Angeles, I have found that most offices are staffed by M.D.s and PAs/NPs and Medical Assistants only.
The breach is impactful. Without the presence or the budget for the presence of RNs or LVNs, or even strong Clinical Administration Executives, the strain on the Mid-Level to be accurately identified is an added burden of care. Add to this, the nursing shortage puts an even higher utilization of MAs and a battle to keep patients clear that MAs are not nurses.
In the Spanish-Speaking MUP population, I have found that the patients have an even greater need of understanding that the PA/NP is not an M.D. Yet, the title “Assistant” furthur strains the issue. Under the legal responsibility of PAs to be clear that they are “a” Provider, but not the patient’s “medico”, a medico-legal issue looms daily.
It will be a fine day when the change is made to “Associate”. As the shortage continues, and access of care issues grow due to the Nationwide Healthcare Shortages of Providers in both M.D.s and Mid-Levels, there continue to be a heightened need to serve the consciousness and clarity of the patient as a Quality of Care issue in the exact nature of the Provider co-horting services for their safety and well-being.
Cheers for the effor to serve all patients by providing this clarity via this much needed change!
agreed
This is gaining a lot of momentum. All PA’s I have encourgaged to support this are all on board. Let’s keep it moving.
We are moving! By end of tomorrow there will be a petition distributed via survey monkey that will begin to formally tally and document those in support. I will post it here and on the ACC Circle. We will get it listed on as many listserves as we can as well. Lets watch this thing explode!
ElayneD
We are also doing a second “PA leader” list. If you are a DFAAPA or have a leadership background, educational background, have a background as a PA leader please contact me. I am coordinating this 2nd list.
Dave
There is now a second PA leadership statement for any PA leaders who may have missed signing the first one. Contact Dave at . We will only be doing this one more. If you have a DFAAPA or have a leadership, teaching history please comeand sign on to the second.
Also a Facebook page has started with almost 500 PAs saying they want a name change.
Dave
what’s the web address of the facebook page?
Too right is way over due so tired of still explaining my position, confusion abounds, there is some utility in advanced practise clinician in covering both NPs/PAs but since training is different individiually physician associate is THE ONLY suitable term. When instituting legislation where either NP/PAs are intended Advanced Practise Clinician should be the comprehensive term that covers us both as midlevel practioners...... I LOVE THIS SITE!!!!
Michelle Jn-Baptiste PA-C “Physician Associate"… im gonna run with it either way!!
There is an AAPA election going on right now. It may be a little late, but all candidates should be asked to state a position on the name change. The appropriate response to be supported would be something like: “I support the effort to change our professional name to Physician Associate and will work tirelessly to that end”. Not, “I support the forming of a comittee, to form a task force,to form individual state comittees in our constituent organizations, to investigate the ramifications of a name change on all current and future stakeholders, and to write a paper to be subitted to...yada, yada, yada.
Firstly, please go onto this site and register your support.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/N72QBB7
http://clinician1.com/posts/article/pa_leaders_issue_statement_for_name_change/.
kplummer - my sentiments exactly. Well put!
Michelle’s point about APC v. P. Associate is right on! The term Advanced Practice Clinician describes the similarities in the NP and PA professions. But you are right, this is a different issue completely. The term assistant is just wrong.
Register your opinion on the link posted above . Help tally how many are out there with the same opinion. Send the link to others if you choose.
ElayneD
Hmmm. It all sounds well and dandy. But I pose a question. If the name change does go through, what will happen with all of our degrees, certificates, and diplomas that say “physician assistant?” I think a name change will add more confusion in regards to job applications and credentialing issues, not to mention the legal ramifications and confusion it would create. We already have to explain to people who are unfamiliar with us, what we do, who we are, what our role is in the healthcare team. Imagine ten years in the future, when we are known as “physician associates,” being turned down for a job because our supporting documentation says “physician assistant” rather than “physician associate.” I think a name change will add more confusion. Why not leave well enough alone?
Read the statement. If you want a name that does not reflect the level of your education or the professions status and want to be grouped with all of the other “assistant” professions, feel free to call yourself an assistant.
Professions change things all of the time. “Cosmetic” changes to legislation, etc.
How many of your certificates say physician’S assistant? Are they invalid as the name was changed when we dropped the ‘s?
Also my certificates say PHYSICIANS ASSOCIATE as that was my program. NO ONE ever questioned if I was a PA.
That is not a reason for a profession to progress or not.
Dave
I can say that the patients I see correlate the quality of care I provide and my professionalism with my actions and intercations with them, moreso than they do with my title. To quote William Shakespeare, “A rose by any other name, is still a rose.”
My thought is that there is already enough confusion trying to explain to a patient that I am a physician assistant. In fact, trying to explain it to them makes them more confused because they actually realize that my job is not that of an assistant. I think the name change to physician associate can actually reduce confusion. I think that people can will be able to understand physician associate better than they can physician assistant. With the name assistant on the end, not only are patients confused and are thinking “Is someone one else still coming in to see me after the physcian assistant?” but I still find some health care professionals being confused as well.
Just my thoughts.
The following is from Merriam-Webster:
Assistant: a person who assists, helper
Associate: one associated with another as a colleague
The public is well aware of the meanings and the differences between these definitions. Say what you will about patinets knowing our true value after working with us, but reality is that in today’s society our titles give us credence. People expect and assume things because of them. No matter how we want to believe that the “assistant” nomenclature is but a name that means little, nothing could be further from the truth.
Indeed, our patients respect and trust us, but do they really know what we are, what kind of training we possess, that we’re actually allowed to practice medicine? I don’t think so. I’m in the proccess of moving to a new job cross-country. I saw a woman the other day, one to whom I’ve been primary caregiver for over four years. After I told her of my looming departure, she asked me if going on and finishing my medical training to become a “doctor” was part of the move. Hit me like a wall. And, sadly, it’s not an isolated incident.
With the “assistant’ title, no matter how bad we want to believe differently, in the end our patients will see us as nothing more than the doctor’s helpers. Pelase don’t fool yourself.
The choice is clear to me.
My diploma from the University of Oklahoma from 1984 says Bachelor of Science as a Physican Associate… It’s about time we made this ubiquetous.
Huskymed- I get the ‘so when are you going to be a doctor’ question all the time and before I’ve done nothing more than introduce myself, ‘when will you graduate?’ Maybe its because I’m a little younger that it happens so frequently, but it never shocks me anymore
Ditto!
Gary Keel
Physician Associate- Certified
I am for the name change. The word assistant does not properly describe what we do. So what do we do now?
If you have posted here but have not signed the survey, please do so.
bob Blumm
As a PA for 10+ years a Family Practice clinic, I agree with changing the name to Physician Associate. I would also argue that both professions would benefit from the Advance Practice - PA (Physician Associate) or Advance Practice - NP. I signed the survey-monkey survey. What next??
Sign the Facebook one also. http://www.physicianassociate.com
Also if anyone has enough leadership experience, is a DFAAPA or an educator, email me as we have another written leadership statement going around that we would like you to sign onto.
Thanks,
Dave and the Group
I agree! Let’s go for it.
Tom DeVito, MS, PA-C
Cardiology
Raleigh Cardiology Associates
WakeMed Heart Center
Sports Medicine
NC State University
I,ve been advocating all along. I,m happy the seriousness of the current debates.
L. Allen
Rpa
I,ve been advocating all along. I,m happy the seriousness of the current debates.
L. Allen
Rpa
I,ve been advocating all along. I,m happy the seriousness of the current debates.
L. Allen
Rpa
I,ve been advocating all along. I,m happy the seriousness of the current debates.
L. Allen
Rpa
I,ve been advocating all along. I,m happy the seriousness of the current debates.
L. Allen
Rpa
I agree with this. For many years I have worked overseas in Africa and they have no idea what a PA is. The closest thing is a “clinical officer”. I have taken that name on here in Africa and many people are well aware they work in a similar fashion to doctors but often in a more rural setting. If I use the word “physician assistant” they seem to focus on the word “assistant.” Even in the States I have had others tell me, “When are you going to become a real doctor?” Quite frustrating for sure. However, one I have established a relationship with a patient they can see my abilities and they are always pleased to see me instead of the “real doctor” just for the fact that I often tended to have more time to spend with my patient and was more thorough in my history and physical.
I hope we can get this name change passed in the House.
Regards,
Catherine Hoelzer, MPH, PA-C
2007 Humanitarian PA of the Year
2007 Sherry Stolberg Award Recipient