Physician Associates (PAs)

Physician Associates (PAs) are medically trained, generalist healthcare professionals.

This page shows how a PA can help reduce waiting lists and treatment delays by freeing up doctors to help more complex patients. We also have information to help organisations and medical teams prepare to integrate, support and progress the PA role, enabling them to practice to their full potential. 

PAs are an addition to teams. They're not at the expense of any other healthcare professional team member. They work alongside doctors to provide medical care across a range of specialties in general practice, community, and hospital settings. PAs work with a dedicated medical supervisor but can also work autonomously with appropriate support.

PAs in Wales

As of December 2024, NHS Wales employs over 175 physician associates across 35 specialties. They are present in nine trusts/health boards across Wales and around 40 of these PAs work in Primary Care.

Regulation of the PA role

Since December 2024 PAs are regulated by the General Medical Council (GMC) and can now apply to join the register. For PAs currently practising, they will need to join the register by December 2026. For more information, please see the link to the GMC website: GMC regulation of physician associates and anaesthesia associates to begin - GMC

Leng Review

The UK government has established an independent review of the physician associates and anaesthesia associates (AAs) professions in England. The review is scheduled to be released in the summer of 2025 and will inform government policy. This will also have an impact on PAs and AAs in Wales.

For more information, please see the link to the GOV.UK website: Leng review: further detail on the areas to be covered by the review of physician associate and anaesthesia associate professions - GOV.UK

A day in the life of a PA

These case studies show the day-to-day life and experiences of PAs working across NHS Wales. They include details on the areas of work, as well as tips for fellow PAs or students.