Ros Pochin, Chair of the Aotearoa New Zealand National Committee, wrote to Hon. Dr. Shane Reti expressing concern about the introduction and expansion of the Physician Associate workforce in Aotearoa.
RACS is apprehensive the public will not understand Physician Associates do not have the length and depth of training of a physician. We are concerned about the ability of surgeons to provide supervision to Physician Associates, as surgeons already provide training and supervision to surgical Trainees and supervision for IMG surgeons in a currently stressful healthcare environment. We also noted the increasing disquiet overseas about the expansion of the Physician Associate role.
RACS recommended that before progressing any discussion regarding the place and role of Physician Associates in our medical workforce and the secondary question of the most suitable regulatory body, the next step be inspection of how nurse practitioners are working within the Aotearoa New Zealand healthcare system and how their use can be expanded.
The RACS press release contributed to ongoing sector and media discussion of the regulation of Physician Associates.