๐Ex Lead Physician Associate, T&O. Interested in clinical leadership, advocating for PA role + seeking new ways of doing old things. Free + slave to all
๐คฆ๐พโโ๏ธ.. I'm tagged.
For the avoidance of doubt, PAs do not complete medical school curriculum in 2 years. You only have to look at the core curriculum and competency framework to understand this.
Anyone saying otherwise, should be informed they've got it wrong.
Kicking off PA week with my awesome T&O PA colleagues. (missing 1 from pic below) 11 years since
@OrthoGeorgePods
1st recruited PAs. Lots of positive experience, challenges we overcame and still some learning to do.
#PAWeekUK
#PhysicianAssociate
@FPARCP
I'd rather not but it can't be helped.
#medtwitter
#PhysicianAssociate
FWIW, PAs are not the enemy. Worth repeating. For the record, the PA role was not developed so doctors can get to clinics, theatres, meet training requirements, etc. The NHS Plan 2000 report recognised 1/
Curtains come down today on what has been a brilliant time ๐ฏ 14 wholesome years (2 training + 12 working)
Thanks to all that made it possible ๐๐ค๐ฝ
Song of the day - Memories by Maroon 5
Hi! I'm a
#PhysicianAssociate
. You might know me from my greatest hits including "No, I'm not a doctor" "No, I'm not a nurse" And the remix "No, I'm not training to be a doctor"
Hi! Iโm an ER doc. You might know me from my greatest hits including โhow much have you had to drink tonight?โ โWhy werenโt you wearing your seatbelt/helmet?โ And โwhat made you think your stubbed toe/toothache/runny nose was an emergency at 3 AM?โ
Heartfelt thanks to the doctors and other HCPs who have been measured, factual and honest whilst challenging and asking difficult questions about the PA role, without need for vitrol, sensationalism and weaponising a tragic event. 1/2
Endless repeat.."PAs have been sold a lie"
Still to find who sold me what + what lie?
Many PAs understand what it means to be a PA + continue to work appropriately. We understand how our role fits within our teams + wider NHS.
Endless repeat doesn't make it collectively true.
I'd say to PA colleagues, don't get into BMA bashing on the back of the statement or unnecessary arguments. It will not lead to anything useful. BMA can represent their membs as they see fit.
We need to work collaboratively with doctors on this. Let's not become what we despise.
@veggieequallife
They are clearly not well informed about the role.๐คฆ๐ฝโโ๏ธ
A gentle prod to check their assumptions about the role or speak to experienced PAs might be helpful.
Please can we not take what student PAs say as gospel for the profession ๐ฌ
@FPARCP
website best place to look
Muted response for
#PAWeekUK2023
, this year from me, on SoMe anyway. Not because there is nothing celebrate, but because the current trend won't allow us to enjoy it.
It is possible to acknowledge the current issues being raised about PAs but also still celebrate our role.
Thoughts with colleagues in primary care setting who will no doubt be in discussions with supervisors/partners/colleagues trying to make sense of current events.
To an extent, I understand the reason for some of the frustrations from doctors about PAs but some of the rhetoric is ridiculous. PAs are certainly not the reason for poor doctor pay and working conditions.
PAs are not the reason for training bottlenecks, or doctors not 6/
Inevitably as expected in light of tomorrow, there is some concerted efforts to play or pull on emotional strings.
Regulation is important for PAs and should not be delayed. Issues around scope, supervision and pt safety remains crucial and needs addressing appropriately.
Great to see, overall many are reassured by the document put out by
@FPARCP
.
Granted even 1 person misrepresenting themselves/causing confusion, is one too many.
Majority of PAs won't be surprised by the document though as its already part of practice. Upwards and onwards ๐ฏ
Progressive news ๐ฏ. Work continues on regulation, scope and supervision. Lots of Ts to cross and I's to dot.
Thanks to all working hard behind the scene to progress this issue despite all the challenges. ๐๐พ
I guess PAs are free hit for all currently ๐ญ๐ญ
Mixture of genuine queries, alogrithim boost and jumping on the bandwagon.
Here for the long run whichever way the wind blows ๐ฏ
The EGM day is finally here.
I'd be surprised if all 5 motions doesn't pass. It's probably a given.
I'm more hopeful the meeting is used as a great opportunity to have ernest convo to progress the situation and not a repetition of what goes on here most of the time.
I doesn't appear that PA training and assessment has been taken into account with this. If the aim is to systematically eradicate PAs from primary care rather than ensure they practice safely, supervised and supported appropriately, then this is the document for it.
Our new College guidance for GP practices employing Physician Associates is now available. This does not change our policy position that we oppose a role for PAs within general practice.
However, we recognise that many practices already employ PAs and our guidance aims to give
Night 2 of 4 done. Hardcore and drained completely. Supported by brilliant Reg. As a regulated PA I know I could provide even more for those that I'm privileged to care for.
#RegulatePAsNow
#PhysicianAssociate
It appears a lot of people commenting about
@gmcuk
PA regulation hasn't looked at the the draft legislation to understand what's being proposed.
So I emplore you to spend sometime on it, and maybe some of this misinformation will be put to bed.
Glad to see
@NHSE_WTE
respond appropriately to latest statement from
@TheBMA
. Important that dialogue is continued via the right channel. Keeping a close eye on things.
#physicianassociate
Yep.. All the problems with the NHS workforce plan is because of PAs. All the issues affecting NHS staff past, present and future... PAs. Government lack of funding for NHS? Yup, you guessed it..due to PAs.
getting training numbers. PAs are not the reason for doctors rotation and uprooting their lives across the countries. PAs are not the reason doctors are not getting into clinics or theatres or learning procedures. Majority of these issues have long existed before PAs. 7/
Lots of excitement around national papers picking up PA topics. Here's to hoping they do the due diligence required.
No PA is shying away from appropriate scrutiny around regulation, scope or patient safety.
Delivering dossier or asking for dossier isn't due diligence though.
Significant day for AAPA order. Challenging to stay focused with anticipation of discussion in the HOL.
Timely regulation is vital for the public + the profession. It's an vital key for patient safety. It will not erase concerns raised about the profession but help address it.
Even as a PA, I don't know what a 'reg level PA' is ๐คท๐พโโ๏ธ
It would be useful when medics who seem to know what this is, can explain more so we can progress the convo e.g
The individual claiming this? Working on registra rota? Carrying out similar responsibility? Job description, etc
I'd say to my colleagues, it's ok for colleges to have meetings about PAs. I wouldn't worry about it. They can scrutinise whatever they see fit, from name to pay, etc. That's their perogative.
My only request would be, it's informed, factual and with understanding of the role 1/3
Thanks to all my PA colleagues who were working over the bank holidays including weekend + nights. We see and appreciate you ๐ฏ
Despite all the misinformation over the last few days, we know what we do and know our value.
#physicianassociate
#RegulatePAsNow
Thanks to those trying to bring some balance, positive and honest experience to the conversation. I know it's very challenging in current climate. We see and appreciate it.
Everytime I log in here it feels like you are swimming against the current or standing in quicksand with PA related posts ๐ญ๐ญ
Please my fellow PAs can we have a day without incident ๐ฅ
What do we want!
.
@gmcuk
@FPARCP
+ everybody*:
#PAregulation
When do we want it!
PAs: Now
#RegulatePAsNow
.
@DHSCgovuk
: Hold on.. Hold on.. How about we kick it down the road for a few years. Maybe to infinity and beyond ๐ญ๐ญ
*except those that actively want us to disappear
I have no issue saying this and again no problem with it being called out.
I do hope that the person who took the screenshot in the first place has told the individual PA they've got it wrong.
Hey
#PhysicianAssociate
Looking for a new role? Sun, beach and sausage roll? With cornish pasties thrown in? Outstanding quality of life with opportunities for outdoor activities? This is for you. Come and join us. Closing date 15 Feb
@FPARCP
Please can I have my mention back + be notified of other things
Doesn't need repeating that PAs shouldn't misrepresent our role or make it difficult for staff or patients to know this.
Though I won't play to a baying mob/bad faith actors actively waiting for a 'gotcha' moment.
Snippets of my day today for
#PAWeekUK2022
Feel free to ask any questions and I'll answer as much as possible
#physicianassociate
a live (hopefully fun and non-controversial ๐ข) thread ๐งต
Also
#changeoverday
for
#medtwitter
today. Looking forward to welcoming our new docs ๐๐
To my colleagues who resigned from their posts - a heartfelt thanks for all your hardwork and commitment to steer things forward for the profession.
Can't have been easy to continue to poor your energy in such an environment.
Thanks to rest of the board for continuing the work.
Solidarity to those who have had sustained abuse + negative comments from their colleagues for doing so. Might not be much, but I certainly value how difficult it must be to put your head above the parapet with all the frustrations and targeting on going. Much appreciated ๐ฏ 2/2
Finally here. Having skimmed through it, lots to chew on and delve into. Will need timeout to do this.
Would encourage my PA colleagues to take their time and read through it too.
We're calling for a halt to recruitment of PAs in general practice following our consultation with over 5,000 GPs, until they are regulated & practices are in a position to implement our forthcoming guidance on scope of practice, induction & supervision.
Hey ๐๐ฝ
@timricketts_
I think it's quite alright to question the pay scale for PAs. Hopefully no one will see it as inflammatory but I don't think it's helpful to compare it to doctors salary. As PAs are currently paid under AFC probably best to look for equivalents there.
Iโm not trying to be inflammatory, but can anyone justify newly qualified physicians associates working and being paid at a core trainee level? Seems like Iโve done the wrong degree, no out of hours, no national recruitment and better pay...
Ahh..PAs are apparently now the harbinger of health inequality in primary care. Not the other well established determinants, issues or causes. But I guess it goes with current territory.
Nothing about the role is hidden. Appropriate consultations as required have always been carried out.
The regulation consultation is currently open, make your voice heard.
PAs are not the enemy and this frustrating and negative energy is being directed in the wrong direction 9/9
๐คฆ๐พโโ๏ธ Genuinely don't know if to take some of you serious or if you are just being mischievous.
After the deep dive through my socials and networks, this is the thing?
Hopefully no one has found MySpace social yet ๐ซฃ
Thanks to those trying to bring some sense to it.
It has been a pleasure ๐ฏ.
Brilliant club, run by a brilliant chairman and others. Thanks to all the managers and players for the love. Too many to name. I've always felt it through the whole 5 teams I've played for.
Not hanging my boot yet though ๐
#upthebec
#blackandwhite
This man
@JoOgidi
plays his final Bec game for the club tomorrow before his move away ๐ข
The ๐ฆ scored many great goals and was always a fantastic and humble teammate. One of the nicest guys in the game (especially for a striker!)
Thank you ๐ฆ
We will miss you mate ๐ค๐ค
Yeah.. Its going to be a weird and challenging week. All good thing must come to an end as they say.. New adventures await..
I'm going to lie in green pastures, by the still waters.
From my perspective, the intervention yesterday in the house of Lords around AAPA order is appropriate use of mechanisms available to us as a democracy. No issue with people lobbying appropriately.
Looking forward to next steps ๐ฏ
Ahh can't I enjoy a band wagon?
Anyway some of the usual suspects have been around. I usually ignore, but for the record;
PAs do work weekends/nights/late shifts. And they know this too. I've done all 3 myself.
Lots of people liking the idea of dragging careers on twitter ๐คท๐พโโ๏ธ
Good to finally see this on paper. Its been a long time coming.
#physicianassociate
#RegulatePAsNow
Slow and steady ๐ฏ
Thanks again to all those working behind the scene to make this happen
@FPARCP
All opinions and thoughts welcomed ๐
Thanks to those that engaged with the PA thread in good faith. We certainly need a space for education on the role and genuine conversations. Maybe a springboard to something else.
Have a good weekend whatever you get up to ๐ฏ
The
#RegulatePAsNow
survey for PAs seems to be going under the radar. It was sent out with recent email update but can't see any chatter about it.
#physicianassociate
Link below for quick access. (I don't think it's personalised)
End of a new and different kind of week.
Meeting new colleagues, finding my way around a new organisation, new systems (NHS please use one software ๐ฉ), new commute, being the new one around, breaking my phone screen etc.
Can only be uphill from here ๐๐ฏ
#slowandsteady
They continue to sink lower and lower. When they run out of serious or tangible arguments to make, they go personal.
I'm sure my time in the sun will come. But we are not going anywhere
#HereToStay
๐ฏ
Concluding night shift 4/4 as 2nd on-call for T&O at a major trauma center, and reading tweets about/from future
#PhysicianAssociate
and their exams. Helps focus the mind about how far the profession has come and opportunities that lie ahead.
#slowandsteady
Wow.. Wee.. ๐ฅด
I'd say to any colleague struggling with all of this;
please make sure you have someone you can speak to about your role at work honestly.
Seek out other peers for support.
Speak to your supervisors and managers.
Swutch off from here is you need to.
To my
#physicianassociate
๐๐ฝ
We all deal with SoMe in our own ways.. But if you find it helpful;
Don't always enage.
Block! if you need to and move on.
Log off and go and do something else.
It appears there could be a coordinated effort to undermine what we represent.
Lots of misinformation on expectation of
#physicianassociate
role at inception.
2 links below to provide facts and context.
#NotTask
- Competence and curriculum framework from gov archive 2006
- Early study about the role 2005
@noodles_nood
๐คฆ๐ฝโโ๏ธ Your place of work is beginning to sound more and more ridiculous. Hoarding fridge space? Not trained ๐ Where does one even begin with addressing these?
Maybe a word with your GM or service manager can help towards providing these somewhere closer to the ward you work on.
Soaking up all the excitement and energy from new colleagues joining the profession. Certainly helps with the disappointing news earlier this week. We are a fast growing profession and add great value when we are utilised appropriately.
#physicianassociate
@ollieburtonmed
Hi Ollie ๐๐ฝ (From a 2ry care perspective)
Do you know if this is usually as a verbatim statement or in the context of the role within the depts explained and expectations clarified?
(Ps. I'm of the opinion, that no one should ever be forced to prescribe for a PA)
Today my thoughts/thanks go out to the FPA leadership/board specifically.
Despite what's been said here publicly about them
I know and trust they are working their socks off, drained and exhausted by the unending barrage of work/personnel/private life they have to deal with.
@StuMaitland
Argh.. I'm a PA and know how I felt about it. Couldn't understand it when I saw it. But would like to think it was an over sight. Maybe feedback to them and hopefully it'll be rectified in the future.
@docdai
See you and appreciate you but also understand. Any doc not towing the party line is shut down straight away and have lots of mud thrown their way. Even as a PA, our opinion and thoughts on it, isn't even welcomed in some corners.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts honestly.
@ollieburtonmed
My two pence; shouldn't be forced on anyone. I'd personally have a preference for my supervisor to be someone who has willingly agreed to take it on.
Back into the same things around PAs
Thoughts on a few..
PA colleagues struggling to get job is not really surprising in the current climate. My sincere hope is that unis are supporting and walking alongside them. Need to be clear to students about current issues.
400+
#PhysicianAssociate
I remember when we had about 30 or so sitting the nationals. We've come a long way in a few years. But more work to be done ๐ฏ
#slowandsteady