Physician assistant or associate? What’s in a name?
Posted by CEP America on Tue, May 25, 2010 @ 08:34 AM
By Cyndy Flores, PA-C
There has been significant discussion over the past week or so re: a potential name change for PAs. The point in question is a proposal to change the name from "Physician Assistant" to "Physician Associate". Yes, we've heard this before, but once again there seems to be momentum to make a change.
Of course what may seem like a simple name change to some, can become a major bone of contention to others. Which is where this story gets more interesting.
In a recent article written by Dr. Marya Zilberberg, MD, MPH entitled, "Physician assistant name change rubs doctors the wrong way" she addresses the sometimes heated rhetoric surrounding the issue. A lot of the rhetoric comes from physicians who feel the word "Associate" implies a medical doctor. Her takeaway is that there is an overreaction going on.
As Director of PA/NP Operations for a leading emergency physician partnership, I've been a clinically practicing emergency department PA for 20 years. In this time, I've come to understand and appreciate the interdependent relationship I share - and what all PAs share - with their supervising physicians. It's what creates the cornerstone of what a health care team is really all about - a group of providers working together to ensure the best patient care possible. I've also been lucky enough to work the last 15 plus years for a group who truly feels that PA and NPs are partners in our organization and clinically practicing colleagues.
And so it is that I don't find a great need to change my title to "associate", because I'm already treated like one. Will being called an associate allow my patients to fully understand my role? Probably not. But to the patient, what's most important, the title of the person caring for them - physician associate or physician assistant - or the fact they are receiving great and appropriate care?
Changing the title would be no simple feat. It would mean changing any document (official or not), every law, every regulation, every by-law that has the title "physician assistant" on it. Changing the title would be a huge financial expense and with today's economic challenges I think there are better, more productive places to spend limited funds. Also, there's so much going on in health care reform is a title change really a priority?
Would the name change cause me to be more successful in my job? Receive more money? The title Physician Assistant is fine with me; it's up to me to give the job title definition and create the respect that I deserve.
Any comments on the proposed name change? I'd love to hear them!