New PA Program in Canada
McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, announced a civilian PA program this week. The first 20 students will begin the two-year program in September.
This will be Ontario's first physician assistant program and Canada's first civilian program at an undergraduate level for these health care professionals who will practice medicine under physician supervision in a wide range of health care settings.
Physician assistants (PA) have been part of the U.S. health care system since the 1960s. In Canada, PAs work in the Canadian Armed Forces and in Manitoba, where they are designated clinical assistants.
"McMaster is pleased to lead the development of new types of health care professionals who will improve access to quality health care for the residents of Ontario," said Dr. John Kelton, dean and vice-president of McMaster University's Faculty of Health Sciences.
Link to press release
Link to program's Web site