JAAPA. 2002 Oct; 15(10): 16-20, 26.

PA education in an evolving health care system.

Glicken A.

University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Child Health Associate Physician Assistant Program, Aurora, USA.

Remarkable changes in medicine and education have created opportunities to redefine physician assistant (PA) education in a new context. The result has been the evolution of a dynamic and fluid educational model, one that is responsive to changes in the content and delivery of the PA curriculum. Development of new skills related to practice management and mechanisms for health services delivery, particularly for the growing numbers of uninsured and disenfranchised patients, presents a particular challenge. Curriculum planning includes strategies to deliver new knowledge and skills in medical informatics, communication, and cultural competencies, as well as evolving content such as alternative and complementary medicine, genetics, and telemedicine.