Wanted: More Oncology Physician Assistants

Understanding the role of physician assistants in oncology.

PURPOSE To understand the deployment of physician assistants (PAs) in oncology. A recent analysis of the oncology workforce in the United States commissioned by ASCO predicted a significant shortage of providers by 2020. METHODS A descriptive study was undertaken using a Web-based questionnaire survey. Invited participants, including all PAs listed in the national PA database (n = 855) and al...

More than One-Third of Physician Assistants in Oncology Experience Burnout, Despite High Rate of Career Satisfaction, New Study Finds

“While it is reassuring that Physician Assistants (PAs) in oncology report high levels of satisfaction in their profession, they also experience high-rates of burnout in a manner similar to oncologists. This study can provide important guidance for the field as the number of PAs in oncology increases with the growing prominence of team-based care. The collaboration of an entire team—from the fr...

Physician assistants and bioterrorism preparedness.

Despite the resources dedicated since 2001 to training health providers in emergency and bioterrorism preparedness and response, the literature on the participation of physician assistants (PAs) is very limited. The purpose of this pilot study was to explore the training level and experiences of PAs in the diagnosis and treatment of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive age...

Physician assistants in the Netherlands.

Productivity assessment of physician assistants and nurse practitioners in oncology in an academic medical center.

PURPOSE Demand for oncologists will increase dramatically over the next 15 years. Physician assistants (PAs) and Nurse practitioners (NPs) have been identified as one solution to meet the projected shortages in oncology. It has previously been reported that 56% of oncologists work with PAs and NPs, more than two thirds of whom believe it benefits their practice with some noted productivity adva...