News
1 November 2014
Innovative University and NHS training partnership addresses doctor shortages
A training partnership between Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry (PU
PSMD), Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, South Devon Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Taunton
and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, Weston Area Health NHS Trust and Yeovil District Hospital,
believed to be the first of its kind, has been announced.
PU PSMD has introduced a postgraduate Diploma in Physician Associate Studies. Physician
associates are a new healthcare workforce in the UK and much needed in a changing NHS. There
are a number of factors that have increased the need for physician associates - for example, the
harmonization of the Foundation Programme will take junior doctors out of acute hospitals over the
next few years into community placements for training; and there will be a peak of GP retirement in
the next few years, yet not enough GPs are being trained to meet the demand. There are also
specialties in the acute trusts where the maintenance of a safe service for patients is challenging with
the current level of provision of the medical workforce.
While the role of physician associate is new in the UK, it is well-established in other countries, such as
the United States. Physician associates are healthcare professionals who, while not doctors, work to
the medical model of clinical diagnosis, with the attitudes, skills and knowledge base to deliver holistic
care and treatment within the general care team under defined levels of supervision. The role is
designed to supplement the medical workforce, thereby improving patient access.
The partnership sees three South West NHS trusts sponsoring five places on the course each, with
Yeovil District Hospital sponsoring two places and Weston Area Health NHS Trust three. The trusts
will pay fees in exchange for a two-year employment contract post-graduation. It is beleved that this is
the first time that such a partnership has been established between NHS trusts and a university.
Entry to the two-year course is open to candidates who have a first degree in a biomedical or health
science subject (2:1 and above) and/or current healthcare professionals educated to degree level. A
Masters can be taken on successful completion of the Diploma.
Professor Alison Carr, Director of Postgraduate Education at Plymouth University Peninsula Schools
of Medicine and Dentistry, said: “Our decision to introduce a Diploma in Physician Associate Studies
will help to address an existing and looming shortfall in care provision across the UK. We believe that
this is the first time such a course has been supported by hospital trusts who are combining payment
of fees with the promise of a work contract on graduation. This is a truly ‘joined up’ approach and one
which has attracted a lot of interest from colleagues around the country.”
Dr Phil Hughes, Medical Director at Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "We are sponsoring five
students to undertake the PA diploma. We believe this will be a critical support for future medical care
and look forward to the opportunity of contributing to and benefiting from this exciting development."
Dr John Lowes, Interim Chief Executive at South Devon Healthcare Trust, said: "We are delighted to
be a part of this innovative partnership between Plymouth University and local NHS trusts. We
believe the programme will really enhance our medical workforce, particularly the focus on extensive
patient contact throughout the two year period. We look forward to welcoming the first cohort of
graduates to Torbay Hospital.”
Applications for these supported places close on 10th November 2014. More information is available
by calling 01752 437333 or emailing meddent-admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
Ends
NOTES
History of the Physician Associate (PA) programme:
Plymouth University has taken a strategic decision to introduce a PgDip in Physician Associate
Studies available predominantly to first degree life science graduates wishing to develop a patientfocussed career to enhance the medical workforce in the South West. The Department of Health
Competence and Curriculum Framework document defines a Physician Associate (PA) as being “a
new healthcare professional who, while not a doctor, works to the medical model, with the attitudes,
skills and knowledge base to deliver holistic care and treatment within the general medical and/or
practice team under defined levels of supervision”. The role therefore is designed to supplement the
medical workforce, thereby improving patient access. The role differs significantly from the role of a
Nurse Practitioner in that the PA will be trained to carry out diagnoses according to the medical model
and will possess clinical reasoning, clinical decision making and clinical diagnostic skills.
The Faculty considers the new PgDip to be an essential step in the diversification of the University’s
full-time medical education portfolio. The Faculty has support from the local NHS Trusts and Health
Education South West along with indications from the Department of Health, all of whom suggest that
there is support for the development of the Physician Associate role nationally, regionally and locally.
This is of particular importance as the use of the role of Physician Associates is being heralded as a
response to increasing shortfalls and sustainability of medically qualified staff in certain areas of
medicine. For example the introduction of shift patterns in the NHS threatens the continuity of care,
results in longer in-patient stay times, and has many adverse effects on medical training and
education.
Special Features
The programme facilitates early patient contact from the first weeks, continuing and increasing
throughout the programme. This ensures that your personal, practical and professional development
is patient-centred. Being based in our thriving Medical School, you will have access to highlydeveloped learning resources and will spend some time learning with medical students and other
healthcare professions.
Professional Accreditation
Entry level to employment as a Physician Associate is currently a University award of a Postgraduate
Diploma together combined with successful completion of the National Assessment (applied medical
knowledge exam and objective structured clinical examination) administered by the UK and Ireland
University Board of Physician Associate Education (UKIUBPAE). Currently Physician Associates are
not nationally licensed. Graduates are encouraged to join the Managed Voluntary Register
administered by the UK Association of Physician Associates (UKAPA).
Duration
Diploma – this is a full-time programme over a two year period, with attendance required for 46 weeks
each year. Masters – this can be completed on a part time basis following successful completion of
the diploma.
Entry Requirements
•
Normally a first degree (2:1 or above) in a life science subject or current healthcare
professionals educated to degree level
•
Work experience, substantiating your career aspirations, in a social or clinical setting
•
Chemistry A’ Level is desirable
Further information
Plymouth University
Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry The John Bull Building
Research Way
Plymouth Science Park
Plymouth
PL6 8BU
E: meddent-admissions@plymouth.ac.uk T: +44 (0)1752 437333
F: 01752 517842
W: www.plymouth.ac.uk/peninsula