From AAPA Medical Watch August 8. 2014New York Times publishes AAPA president's remarksfrom New York TimesWhile a recent New York Times article about the PA profession was overwhelmingly positive, there were errors and misconceptions that AAPA President John McGinnity, MPS, PA-C, DFAAPA, corrected in a letter to the editor.To the Editor:Re "In Demand: The Doctor's Helper" (Education Life, Aug. 3): For nearly 50 years, the value of physician assistants has been tested and proved to increase access, improve patient outcomes and elevate patient satisfaction.All physician assistants undergo rigorous graduate education in pharmacology, and behavioral health is a common thread throughout their clinical training. So P.A.'s in psychiatry only stand to increase much-needed and immediate access to mental health care.In practice, a P.A.'s scope grows over time with clinical experience. It's extremely common for a physician assistant to see patients in all settings without a physician present. In fact, in many rural and underserved areas, a physician assistant is the only primary care provider for miles.A 2013 study by the American Association of Medical Colleges found that the majority of patients are perfectly willing to be seen by a P.A. instead of waiting for a doctor's appointment.JOHN McGINNITYPresident, American Academyof Physician AssistantsAttica, Mich., Aug. 3, 2014 Subscribe to AAPA Medical Want more stories like this? Subscribe to the AAPA Medical Watch - it's free!
