About physician associates in general practice

Physician associates are trained and qualified to diagnose and treat a wide range of health conditions. They work alongside GPs to provide care to people, particularly those with long-term conditions who often benefit from being able to see the same healthcare professional.

What can physician associates help with?

Physicians associates can help with lots of things including:

• diagnosing and treating health conditions
• arranging tests and analysing results
• performing physical examinations

How are GPs benefitting?

Physician associates can perform a valuable role as part of the extended primary care team. There is scope for them to take some pressure off GPs by performing some defined clinical tasks and providing patients, especially those with long-term conditions, the continuity of care they need.

How does the role of the physician associate differ from that of a GP?

A physician associate is a new healthcare professional who, whilst not a doctor, works to the medical model. They have the attitude, skills and knowledge base to deliver holistic care and treatment within the general medical and/or general practice team under defined levels of supervision.

Page published: 21 May, 2021