2 minute read
PAs AROUND THE UK
Next Article
We spotlight a few individuals in each edition, sharing their success and highlighting some real hidden gems! Take Ria, for example, who has created a website with crucial CPD resources. The regional team even has a WhatsApp group and mentorship opportunities for local PAs who need a helping hand.
Molly Jones
In Plymouth, Molly has returned to where her journey first started. Molly completed her PA qualification in 2017 from Plymouth University School of Medicine and Dentistry.
It is often said that career development may be challenging for Physician Associates due to the lack of post-graduate training programmes, but Molly is an excellent example of how we can advance as PAs. Molly began her journey from ear-piercing in a well known high street retailer to now being a Senior PA in ENT. Molly’s main areas of interest are paediatric ENT plus Head and Neck Cancer. Molly says the range of her job is extensive, including oncology, surgery, paediatrics, and care for the elderly, as well as dealing with a lot of snot. Molly works in various settings, including in-person clinics, operating rooms, and micro-suction.
Molly has completed her basic surgical skills qualification and is doing grommet insertion and tonsillectomy procedures. Molly has even written clinical guidelines for her department, teaming up with microbiology colleagues to write a pathway for the management of supraglottitis. Molly says, ‘I absolutely enjoy having a different day every day in ENT.
In Sheffield, Ria Agarwal has been busy publishing research into Physician Associates.
A qualified PA since 2013, Ria has particular interests in the clinical supervision of Physician Associates, PAs experiencing difficulty at work, and the role of PAs in the primary care team.
ARE YOU A PA IN SOUTH YORKSHIRE? DO YOU NEED A MENTOR?
Check out Ria’s website for access to great resources, useful links, event details and you can even sign-up to WhatsApp Group.
Ria works in primary care and accepted a leadership post at the faculty for advanced clinical practice in South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw in September.
Ria said: “Having been in one practice now for some years, I have good rapport and continuity with many patients; it is fantastic to know I have the skill set to help in this way.” We all know that, with the proper training and support in place, Physician Associates can be essential in relieving a proportion of the clinical burden on GPs and their wider staff. Ria believes PAs can make a difference in productivity, but offering PAs the right support is vital. Ria has also developed a unique website which shares CPD from previously recorded ambassador conferences. This platform aims to collate other leads’ work within the region. You will also find CPD for other HCPs that PAs may find helpful. You can learn more about these topics in Ria’s PA podcast episode.
In South Wales, Aimee Ehrenzeller works as a physician associate in primary care;
Aimee has a special interest in reproductive and sexual health and has decided to pursue further training in intrauterine techniques.
Aimee said: “I was introduced to a fabulous sexual and reproductive health consultant (Dr Massey) who was keen to teach me, despite never having worked with PAs before. We worked out any kinks in the process that could have arisen from attempting something that had never been done before. The College of Sexual and Reproductive Health graciously permitted me to take the online exam and finish the coil fitting instruction with the help of Dr. Massey. Afterwards, I received an Intrauterine Techniques Letter of Competency, which I believe is a first for PAs.
