Task and finish group launching to complete the FPA Physician Associate Career Development Framework
The Faculty of Physician Associates (FPA) is the professional membership body representing the physician associate (PA) profession. This includes guiding and supporting PAs from the moment they enrol on a PA course through to qualification and beyond.
The PA role continues to evolve, and the FPA census 2021 report showcases how PAs are continuing to expand their scope of practice and extend their procedural skills, as well as stepping into senior or lead PA roles. Earlier this year, Health Education England (HEE) published the Core Capabilities Framework for Medical Associate Professionals (MAPs). During the development of the framework, the FPA worked closely as a key stakeholder, and were supported by PAs submitting their responses in an online consultation.
The HEE Core Capabilities Framework sets out clear expectations for MAPs, and its publication was another important step in the journey towards positively progressing the PA role. The FPA is now ready to move this journey further forward by establishing a task and finish group to support the completion of the FPA Career Development Framework (CDF).
The FPA CDF will support PAs and their employers by providing a national structure for PAs to progress in their careers. It will detail the knowledge, skills and behaviours expected at each stage and ensure all PAs across the UK have a standardised and clear progression pathway. To support the development of the FPA CDF, the FPA invites qualified members to submit an expression of interest to sit on the task and finish group.
The group will consist of 10 FPA members and will be led by FPA president Jamie Saunders, vice president Chandran Louis and the chair of the FPA Education Committee. Those interested in submitting an expression of interest should:
- be a qualified member of the FPA
- have at least 3 years post-qualification experience as a physician associate.
The FPA is keen to have representation from across the UK and at least:
- one PA from each devolved UK nation
- one PA practising in primary care
- one PA practising in secondary care
- one PA working in academia.
Members of the group will be appointed on a voluntary basis and would normally be expected to commit 2–4 hours on a weekly basis. Meetings will usually be held virtually.
To submit an expression of interest, please email a cover letter detailing your reasons for applying and a copy of your CV to [email protected]. The closing date for expressions of interest is Sunday 6 November.