Graduating as a Physician Associate (PA) is an exciting milestone, but finding the right first role in Primary Care can feel daunting. The decisions you make at the start of your career will shape your professional journey and lay the foundation for future success. At Medical Staffing, we specialise in connecting healthcare professionals with their ideal roles, ensuring a smooth transition into the workplace. In this blog, we provide five essential tips for newly qualified Physician Associate students to consider when seeking opportunities in Primary Care. From evaluating practices’ understanding of the PA role to considering working arrangements, we aim to guide you towards a position where you can thrive professionally.
1. Does the Practice Have Experience with Physician Associates?
It’s crucial to know whether the practice or Primary Care Network (PCN) has worked with PAs before and understands how to integrate them effectively into the team. Some practices have a strong track record of successfully employing PAs and know how to maximise your clinical skills. Others may be newer to the concept, leading to challenges such as undefined responsibilities or an overemphasis on administrative tasks.
Starting your career in a practice with clear expectations and a solid understanding of the PA role is essential for your growth. Ask questions during interviews to gauge how they plan to utilise your skills, and ensure you’ll be treated as a clinician with the opportunity to manage acute and long-term patient care rather than being relegated to less desirable tasks.
2. Does the Practice or PCN Offer Continuing Professional Development (CPD)?
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is vital for every clinician, including PAs, who often have specific requirements to meet. The availability of structured CPD time varies between practices and PCNs, and it is important to confirm this during the recruitment process. Practices with a deep understanding of the PA role are more likely to offer protected time for CPD, enabling you to meet professional standards and expand your expertise.
Ensuring that you have access to CPD opportunities will help you stay updated with medical advancements and improve patient care outcomes, so don’t hesitate to enquire about this during discussions with potential employers.
3. Will You Be Expected to Cover Multiple Sites?
Whether you’ll be based at a single practice or required to work across multiple locations can significantly impact your job satisfaction. Roles based in PCNs often involve working at several sites, which can provide diverse experience but may also lead to challenges, such as a lack of continuity with teams and patients.
While some professionals enjoy the variety of working across multiple practices, others may prefer stability. For instance, a PA working across 10 sites with half-day shifts at each location may find it difficult to build meaningful relationships with teams and patients. Consider your preferences and discuss this aspect with prospective employers.
4. Is Enhanced Access a Requirement?
Enhanced access obligations vary by practice and may include evening or weekend shifts on a rota basis. While this is a standard requirement in many practices, it’s essential to determine whether such commitments align with your lifestyle and other responsibilities. Understanding the level of flexibility expected from you upfront will help avoid surprises later and ensure the role fits seamlessly into your personal and professional life.
5. What is the Practice’s Reputation?
Before committing to a role, research the practice or PCN’s reputation. Tools such as Care Quality Commission (CQC) reports and Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) scores can provide valuable insights into the organisation’s performance. However, don’t rely solely on scores; delve into the details of the reports.
For example, a practice rated as "Requires Improvement" may simply need better documentation practices while excelling as an employer. Speaking to current or former employees and reviewing patient feedback can also offer a well-rounded view of the practice’s work environment.
How Medical Staffing Can Help You
At Medical Staffing, we understand that the transition from education to employment is a significant step. As a leading healthcare recruitment consultancy in the UK, we have in-depth knowledge of the practices and PCNs we work with. Our team can provide tailored advice on all the considerations outlined above, ensuring you make an informed decision.
Whether you’re looking for a supportive practice with CPD opportunities, a single-site role, or a workplace with a stellar reputation, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to find your perfect role in Primary Care and start your career as a Physician Associate on the right foot.