Diversity of PA cohorts during the evolution to an entry-level master's degree

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the racial and ethnic diversity of physician associate/assistant (PA) graduating cohorts during the profession's transition from a standard undergraduate degree to an entry-level master's degree.

METHODS

Using all existing program reports from the Physician Assistant Education Association (1985-2019), we explored potential associations between changes in tuition, degree types offered, and racial/ethnic makeup of graduating cohorts.

RESULTS

We observed a strong negative association between Black students and graduates versus increasing tuition and the rise of master's level programs.

CONCLUSIONS

More equitable opportunities for joining the PA profession may be needed.

Characteristics of physician associates/assistants in dermatology

The dermatology workforce includes physicians, nurse practitioners (NPs), and physician associates/assistants (PAs). The number of dermatologists is growing slowly while the growth of PAs working in dermatology is rapid and accelerating. To understand their characteristics, a descriptive study of PAs practicing in dermatology utilizing the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) workforce dataset on PA practices was undertaken. NCCPA certifies PAs who practice in the United States and queries them about their role, employment, salary, and job satisfaction. Analyses consisted of descriptive statistics, Chi-Square, and Mann-Whitney tests for comparisons between PAs practicing in dermatology versus the total of all other PA specialties. As of 2021, 4,580 certified PAs reported practicing in dermatology-a nearly twofold increase since 2013, when 2323 worked in the specialty. This cohort's median age was 39 years, and 82% were female. Almost all (91.5%) are office based, and 81% work more than 31 h per week. The median salary was $125,000 (2020 dollars). Dermatology PAs work fewer hours and see more patients than their counterparts compared to all 69 PA specialties. At the same time, dermatology PAs are more satisfied and less burnt out when compared to all PAs. The increased number of PAs selecting dermatology as their discipline can help lessen the projected physician shortage in this field.