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Pathway to Health Care Leadership: An Education Innovation for Physician Associate Students in Leadership Development
Jessica L Wright1,2,3, Bryanna De Lima1,2,3, Elizabeth Eckstrom1,2,3
1Jessica L. Wright, MBA, MSPAS, is an assistant professor of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine & Geriatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland Oregon.
Summary
Physician associate (PA) students reported increased confidence in leadership roles and managing difficult conversations after a specialized curriculum. The training is recommended for all PA programs to foster future healthcare leaders.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Education
- Leadership Development
- Physician Associate Studies
Background:
- Physician associates (PAs) are assuming more leadership roles in healthcare.
- Formal leadership training is often lacking in PA curricula.
- A leadership curriculum was developed to address this gap.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and evaluate a leadership curriculum for PA students.
- To assess the curriculum's impact on students' leadership readiness and skills.
- To determine the feasibility and reception of the leadership training.
Main Methods:
- A leadership curriculum was developed by an experienced PA.
- The curriculum included didactics, small group exercises, and a panel discussion.
- Pre- and post-surveys were administered to second-year PA students over three years, with data analyzed using Wilcoxon signed rank tests.
Main Results:
- Students reported a higher likelihood of taking leadership roles (P < .01).
- Comfort in difficult conversations and active listening skills significantly improved (P < .01).
- Students found the training valuable and supported its integration into all PA programs (P < .01).
Conclusions:
- PA students are eager for leadership opportunities.
- The curriculum effectively enhanced students' leadership skills and confidence.
- The training is feasible, adoptable, and well-received, warranting inclusion in PA education.
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