New Roles In Health and Care
Physician Associates
What are they?
Physician Associates (PAs) work as part of medical team and support doctors in the diagnosis and management of patients. They can work in a GP surgery or in a hospital, and have direct contact with patients. PAs are required to maintain their generalist clinical skills; this allows them to move between different specialties and areas of practice and have a strong patient focus.
Find out how local students feel about the course:
What are the requirements?
Physician Associates will be expected to complete a 27 month full-time Masters of Science course with a range of placements in a variety of clinical settings. In east London, the course has been developed in partnership with Queen Mary University London and has been running since January 2017.
A life science-related degree is required to get onto a PA training programme. Alternatively, a registered healthcare professional, such as a nurse, allied health professional or midwife, can also apply to become a PA.
Where they can apply to do it?
Opportunities available afterwards
Jobs are being developed for students within east London and nationally in general practice, hospitals and specialist services.
Find out how local Physician Associates working in Primary Care feel about their role:
Other useful information
The Role of a Physician Associate
Faculty of Physician Associates
Social Prescribers
What are they?
Social Prescribers are an important part of the health and care system, connecting people with a range of non-medical support in the community to improve their health and wellbeing and tackle social isolation. Support includes befriending, group learning, arts activities, healthy eating advice and a range of sports.
Social Prescribers can work in a GP surgery, health centre, local authority or community organisation setting and have direct contact with people.
What are the requirements?
To find out more, visit the Social Prescriber job role. Social Prescribers receive regular supervision and ongoing development to support them in their role.
Where do you apply?
Social Prescribers are usually employed by the NHS, local authorities or community groups. Visit Current Vacancies for details of their on-line recruitment.
Other useful information
Find out more about Social Prescribing from:
Sharon Hanooman, Senior Social Prescriber at Waltham Forest Council
See how Social Prescribing is transforming health for London and making a huge difference in people’s everyday lives: