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Physician Assistants in Plastic Surgery: A Descriptive Analysis Using the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants Dataset

  • 0From the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT.
Annals of Plastic Surgery +

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August 19, 2024

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August 19, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Physician assistants (PAs) in plastic surgery are younger, more likely female, and report higher job satisfaction than PAs in other fields. Expanding their role can address surgeon shortages and improve care.

Area Of Science

  • Health Workforce Studies
  • Surgical Specialties
  • Physician Assistant Profession

Background

  • Physician assistants (PAs) are integral to the US healthcare system, especially given surgeon shortages.
  • The demand for healthcare services is escalating, increasing the need for efficient workforce utilization.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To characterize physician assistants (PAs) in plastic surgery.
  • To compare PAs in plastic surgery to those in all other specialties regarding demographics and practice characteristics.

Main Methods

  • Cross-sectional analysis of the 2022 National Commission on Certification of PAs dataset.
  • Descriptive and bivariate statistical analyses were employed.
  • Demographic and practice characteristics were examined.

Main Results

  • The number of PAs in plastic surgery nearly doubled from 2015 to 2022.
  • PAs in plastic surgery were younger, predominantly female, and located in urban areas compared to other specialties.
  • PAs in plastic surgery performed a higher proportion of clinical procedures and reported higher job satisfaction with less burnout.

Conclusions

  • The plastic surgery PA cohort exhibits distinct characteristics, including higher procedural involvement and satisfaction.
  • Expanding the role of PAs in plastic surgery is a viable strategy to mitigate surgeon shortages and burnout.
  • Enhanced PA-surgeon collaboration can address workforce challenges, improve patient care, and boost provider satisfaction.

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