Calls grow to add Physician Assistants to primary care teams here in BC

In News by Anywhere Vancouver

The Canadian Association of Physician Assistants (CAPA) is calling on the provincial government to add Physician Assistants (PAs) to primary care teams here in BC.

CAPA organized an Advocacy Day in Victoria on Thursday, April 11th, which was endorsed by MLA Shirley Bond. Members of CAPA spoke with BC Health Minister Adrian Dix and BC United Leader Kevin Falcon leader about exploring how physician assistants can be implemented to help the BC healthcare systems.



In the fall of 2023, the government of British Columbia announced PAs were able to practice in emergency departments in the province, a huge step to help a healthcare system that needs an overhaul.

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“We are thrilled to have met with officials to discuss what PAs can do for emergency departments. Introducing PAs is an important step for the province and the potential for expansion into other areas of medicine will help address critical challenges our healthcare system is facing” commented Lisa Stewart, CAPA’s BC Director.



The event was organized to help illustrate the “indispensable role of PAs”.

“As physician extenders, PAs can practice with negotiated autonomy and can see, treat, and discharge patients without direct onsite physician supervision,” said CAPA’s BC Director.

“They provide primary, acute, and specialty care in all types of settings. Studies across the globe have proven that integrating the PA model reduces emergency room wait times and decreases surgical backlogs.”

Canadian Association of Physician Assistants (CAPA)



According to CAPA and the reports they’ve reviewed, adding one PA to a primary care team could increase the patient roster by at least 500.

CAPA is calling on the BC government to implement the following measures:

  • Regulate PAs under the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia
  • Secure funding for the hiring of 50 PAs over the next three years
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to identify areas where PAs can have the greatest impact
  • Develop a PA Education Program at UBC or SFU to begin training homegrown PAs

To learn more about the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants (CAPA) and the work they do, visit their website here.

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