Patient Satisfaction

“We are finally getting care when we need it — I didn’t leave with unanswered questions.”

“Getting medical care is not easy for me… The PA gave me options, didn’t add to my anxiety, and supported the next step of my journey.”

“This is a very necessary service in NZ.”

“I felt this appointment was one of the best I’ve ever attended. Good discussion and very informative.”

Professionalism + Skill

“Great knowledge and very helpful. Has actioned a lot. Highly recommended.”

“What an awesome, thorough, great experience we had. She’s very able!”

“She was excellent — performed thorough tests and gave a clear explanation of my injury.”

“Scott is very informative and empathetic.”

“Tiffany was amazing — thoughtful, respectful, and thorough.”

“Physician Associates could play a vital role in addressing healthcare disparities by expanding access to quality medical services, particularly in underserved communities where healthcare workforce shortages are prevalent.” ​​

Dr. Praveen Thadagiri, Living Waters Medical Solutions

“I find the level of knowledge and their ability to apply this appropriately to be exceptionally good and at times I am happy to say that their knowledge of some conditions has surpassed my own.”

Dr. Alan Wright, Hastings Health Centre

“The success of PAs providing medical care in Aotearoa is not an unknown, future hope, nor a hypothetical – . His presence is a force-multiplier, allowing us to provide care to a greater number of patients than we could otherwise/before…. Employing PAs has not been a compromise for us: It has enriched the collaboration among providers here.”

Dr. Martijn Haitsma, Tara Road Medical Centre

“Our PA works here under a well-defined scope of practice and within that scope, she is able to function very efficiently and autonomously. For all intents and purposes, she basically fulfills the role and responsibilities of a GP on the roster, albeit working alongside a supervising doctor. Her skill level is very high and therefore the nature of this supervision over her is not onerous.”

Dr. Richard Jamieson, Hastings Health Centre

Physician Associates provide a unique service within the multidisciplinary team, we have worked with them in primary care for over 10 years and know the value add of having an associate who can assist delivery of care to patients within the team. 

We have a workforce crisis, we see the impacts every day of long waiting times to see our teams, in many areas the capacity to care is just not there. 

Physician Associates, like the diverse skill sets of other health professionals that desperatly need support PAs can and do add capacity to general practice teams and work collaboratively providing safe effective care for patients.

It’s been a long time coming and congratulations is due to the PA leaders in New Zealand whose professionalism and persistence has contributed to this significant step.

From Senior GP / Primary Care Leader (Team-Based Care Letter)

On the effectiveness of allied health workers:
“Studies show that allied health workers can safely and effectively address up to 75% of the issues encountered by GPs, often with identical or better outcomes. Expanding their role will help alleviate the burden on overworked and underpaid GPs.”

On the safety and effectiveness of Physician Associates:
“Claims that Physician Associates and other allied workers are unsafe are unsubstantiated. International evidence shows that, compared to doctors, allied health workers like PAs provide efficient, safe, and effective care, sometimes even with better clinical outcomes.”

On the disruptive role of Physician Associates:
“Physician Associates are part of a disruptive innovation in healthcare. Similar to the acceptance of Nurse Practitioners, the addition of PAs will eventually lead to a more effective, efficient, and accessible primary care system, despite initial resistance from some medical unions.”

Kiwi, Doctor, Health Systems Academic with International Perspective 

Addressing GP Shortages:

“Bridges the gap with the GP shortage we have in NZ.”

Improved Patient Care and Access:

“We are able to provide far better access to medical treatment for our own patients and patients in the wider community that are unable to book an appointment with their provider in a timely manner. This ensures a better outcome for patients, physically, emotionally, and mentally, also potentially lowering the long term/ongoing costs of a delayed diagnosis/treatment.”

“Super efficient in urgent care space, helpful to treat and assist in emergencies, and great knowledge.”

Professionalism and Competence:

“A very professional workforce with high standards and professional knowledge. On our walk-in clinic, they provide a great service, safe, professional, well supported by other staff and patients alike.”

What can a PA do for my clinic?