Physician Assistants and the Expanding Global Health-Care Workforce

The physician assistant and other types of medical providers with accelerated and focused training were developed to serve the specific health-care needs of individual countries. They have an important role in providing care globally in response to physician shortages. Working in over 50 nations, these clinicians increase access to team-based health care. This perspective explores the successes and challenges of these professionals as an international community. Steps are proposed to increase global awareness and acceptance of these professionals including platforms to increase discussion, scholarly activity, and collaboration.