Saskatchewan Launches Groundbreaking Physician Assistant Program

UPDATE: The University of Saskatchewan (USask) has just launched its highly anticipated Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program, welcoming its inaugural class of 20 students at a ceremony on September 12, 2023. This groundbreaking initiative positions Saskatchewan as the first province in Canada to formally train and license Physician Assistants (PAs), a critical step in addressing healthcare needs in the region.

The MPAS program is part of a robust strategy to enhance healthcare delivery across Saskatchewan, responding to the urgent demand for qualified medical professionals. Ken Cheveldayoff, the Saskatchewan Minister for Advanced Education, emphasized the importance of this program, stating, “Welcoming the first students to the Master of Physician Assistant Studies program is a proud moment for Saskatchewan.”

This 24-month program was made possible through a significant investment of $1.3 million by the provincial government to train PAs. Alongside this funding, the Saskatchewan government has allocated over $7 million to support the program’s development. These financial commitments underscore the priority of expanding healthcare access in the province.

With a total of 340 applications received, USask selected 15 of the 20 candidates from Saskatchewan, highlighting the program’s local focus. Dr. Sarah Forgie, Dean of the College of Medicine, expressed enthusiasm over the exceptional group of students: “We are excited to support the growth of the Physician Assistant profession.”

The significance of this program extends beyond education. PAs are trained healthcare providers who will work under the supervision of physicians, performing essential duties including patient examinations, ordering tests, and even writing prescriptions. This model is designed to improve patient access to care across various medical specialties, including emergency medicine and primary care.

The launch event featured a traditional prayer by Elizabeth Duroche, Indigenous Coordinator at USask, who highlighted the importance of collaboration in healthcare. “Working together—both Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners—will allow us to share knowledge and improve community health,” she noted.

The regulation of the PA profession was formalized under the Medical Profession Amendment Act, 2023, marking a historic milestone in the province’s healthcare landscape. Jeremy Cockrill, Saskatchewan Minister of Health, reinforced the program’s potential impact, stating, “Integrating Physician Assistants into our health system will improve access to a range of health services.”

Prospective PAs will undergo rigorous training and must adhere to strict guidelines while under the mentorship of licensed physicians. Ashley Millham, a practicing PA and Director of Learners, shared her experiences, noting the critical role PAs play in underserved communities. “The addition of Physician Assistants will help improve access for patients across our province,” she said.

As the MPAS program takes flight, the future of healthcare in Saskatchewan looks promising. It aims not only to equip students with the necessary skills but also to transform the healthcare delivery model, addressing the ongoing challenges faced by patients in both urban and rural settings.

The first cohort of students will begin their journey in this innovative program, and their progress will be closely watched as Saskatchewan leads the way in expanding the Physician Assistant profession in Canada. With increasing demand for healthcare services, the success of this initiative could serve as a model for other provinces seeking to enhance their healthcare workforce.

The launch of the Master of Physician Assistant Studies program is not just a milestone for USask but a pivotal moment for Saskatchewan’s healthcare system, poised to improve patient care and create rewarding career opportunities for future PAs.