This paper sets out the RCGP position on the role of physician associates in general practice. It frames the current situation and explores the key challenges that need to be resolved in order to support physician associates to work most effectively and safely in general practice.
The RCGP is committed to working with governments across the UK, the Faculty of Physician Associates and our membership, to ensure that physician associates in general practice are safely and effectively integrated into the multidisciplinary team. Physician associates are new members of the clinical team, complementary to GPs rather than a substitute, who assist GPs and their teams to provide, high-quality, integrated patient care.