ENT UK statement on Physician Associates in ENT

09 October 2023 (Last updated: 11 Oct 2023 10:40)

ENT UK is aware of serious concerns around the role of Physician Associates (PAs) in ENT. These include the potential loss of training opportunities, governance, misidentification and scope of practice. 

The Faculty of Physician Associates (FPA) recently published ‘Physician Associate Title and Introduction Guidance’ and we welcome the clarity this brings. This explains how PAs should introduce and describe their role to patients and colleagues. They are not permitted to use the title ‘doctor’ under any circumstances.  

Whilst the Medical Director is responsible for clinical governance, named consultants are responsible for supervision, training, competence and scope of practice and should have appropriate time allocated accordingly. We welcome plans for national regulation.

ENT UK will be working closely with the Royal Colleges and the Federation of Specialist Surgical Associations (FSSA) to ensure PA roles will be appropriately controlled to the benefit of all, particularly our trainees, as well as our senior surgical colleagues. 

We are urgently reviewing our own guidance and information. We are keen to understand what is happening in practice and will be inviting our members to share their experiences. Only by listening to members can we explore examples of good and bad practice to provide the best support to them. We will be discussing this further with ENT UK Council members and Executives as the role evolves. 

The surgical royal colleges have also released a joint statement addressing the issue of regulation for PAs. You can read it here.