Physician assistant utilisation in the US Armed Forces: applicability to the UK Defence Medical Services

Physicians assistants (PAs) are being increasingly utilised by the US Armed Forces both in homeland medical treatment provision as well as while on deployment. In a deployed environment, the USA has the flexibility to interchange doctors with specialty-trained PAs in all roles of care due to their ability to practice autonomously, thereby filling shortfalls created by the lack of specialty physicians. PAs are increasingly being utilised within the UK National Health Service, in similar roles to their US counterparts. This paper postulates that PAs have an equivalent role to play in the future of medical care provision within the UK Defence Medical Services, including on military operations.