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A physician assistant rheumatology fellowship
1George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services, Washington, DC, USA.
Summary
A pilot rheumatology fellowship for physician assistants (PAs) successfully trained trainees, enhancing rheumatology workforce capacity. The program provided extensive clinical and academic exposure, proving valuable for PAs entering rheumatology practice.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Medical Education
- Physician Assistant Studies
Background:
- Physician shortages in rheumatology necessitate innovative training solutions.
- Physician Assistants (PAs) are integral to healthcare, with potential to fill practice gaps.
- Postgraduate training programs can enhance PA proficiency in specialized fields.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a novel postgraduate rheumatology fellowship for physician assistants.
- To assess the level of rheumatology exposure and proficiency achieved by PA trainees.
- To determine the perceived value of specialized PA training in rheumatology.
Main Methods:
- An administrative analysis was conducted on a pilot postgraduate rheumatology fellowship program for PAs established in 2004.
- Trainees received didactic instruction in immunology, rheumatology, and internal medicine.
- Clinical training was integrated with academic coursework.
Main Results:
- All PA trainees attained a high degree of exposure and proficiency in rheumatology.
- The fellowship curriculum successfully augmented clinical training with comprehensive academic content.
- Faculty and trainees reported positive experiences and outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Postgraduate rheumatology training for physician assistants is a viable strategy to address specialist shortages.
- The pilot program demonstrated the capacity of PAs to achieve high levels of competence in rheumatology.
- This training model is considered worthwhile by both faculty and trainees, supporting its broader implementation.
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