Title:

Physician Associate (PA)

Location:

RCSI, Beaumont Hospital

Reporting to:

Relevant Surgical Consultant or nominee

Salary:

Salary for the duration of the pilot (44,000 per annum)

Context:
Beaumont Hospital and The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) are leading the introduction of Physicians
Associates (PA) to the Irish Health Care System. This new and exciting initiative is supported by the HSE and the
Department of Health & Children in Ireland and is aimed at creating and developing the role of a PA in Ireland.
Purpose of the Role/Job Summary:
Physician Associates (PA) are trained and educated similarly to physicians, and therefore share similar diagnostic and
therapeutic reasoning. By design, surgeons and PAs work together as a team, and all PAs practice medicine with
physician supervision. Supervision does not mean that a supervising physician must always be present with the PA or
direct every aspect of PA-provided care rather the PA practice can be described as delegated autonomy. Surgeons
delegate duties to the PA, and within those range of duties, the PA uses autonomous decision-making for patient care.
The team model is the key-stone to maintaining a high-quality, efficient surgical service. The physician associates
responsibilities are determined by the laws of the country in which they practice, the hospital board and the
supervising surgeon.
The PA will function under a standard Physician Associate Role Description as outlined below and as approved by the
HSE & Department of Health. Specific functions pertaining to the service, clinic or department will be established and
agreed upon by the supervising Consultant (s), and appropriate Clinical Director. There are five PA roles offered
under the following surgical disciplines:

Breast Surgery

Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery

Lower Gastrointestinal Surgery

Orthopaedic Surgery

Vascular Surgery
The successful candidate will be required to be flexible in relation to working hours on occasion.
Supervision:
Supervision is provided by the Consultant Surgeon(s). The supervising surgeon has continuing responsibility to follow
the progress of the patients and to make sure that the PA does not function autonomously, and is responsible for all
medical services provided by a PA under his or her supervision. Specifically:

In-patients:
o A supervising physician shall be available in person or by electronic communication at all times when the
PA is caring for patients
o Medication orders are transmitted according to an approved formulary protocol
Out-Patients:
o A supervising physician shall be available in person or by electronic communication at all times when the
PA is caring for outpatients.
Medication orders are transmitted to an approved formulary protocol. The Prescription must include the
physicians name, contact details, and IMC number
Protocols and clinical practice guidelines are developed by the hospital, the supervising Consultant and the
multidisciplinary team will be adhered to by the PA at all times.
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The PA may perform approved procedures as delegated, after demonstration of competence to the supervising
physician.
Patient management issues not covered by protocols will be discussed with the supervising physician on a
patient-specific basis.
In the case of emergency, the supervising physician and the NCHDs should be contacted immediately
The PA will receive a biannual formal performance evaluation by the supervising physician at Beaumont and by
an RCSI delegate. Ongoing professional practice evaluation also occurs through tracking of performance
indicators.

Key Tasks:
In Patient and Out-patient Care:
Maintain a high standard of patient care
Attends daily ward rounds with the team and work as part of a multidisciplinary team
Co-ordination of admissions and discharges of patients by taking a patient history, performs a physical
examination and makes an assessment consistent with physical findings, Records pertinent data in the
patients medical record and develops a treatment plan in consultation with the team.
Presents patient history and physical examination information clearly and concisely to the supervising
consultant
Review and revises treatment and therapy plans as needed
Administers medications according to the formulary protocol or upon patient-specific orders from the
supervising consultant.
Orders and collects specimens for routine lab tests
Retrieves results of diagnostic examinations such as radiology
Orders physical therapy, occupational therapy, and additional nursing / social service
Initiates arrangements for hospital admission and completes appropriate paperwork
Facilitates the coordination of inpatient and outpatient care and services as needed
Instructs and counsels patients regarding matters that pertain to their physical and mental health. Counselling
may include topics such as medications, diets, social habits, family planning, aging and understanding of longterm illnesses.
Perform clinical procedures that have been approved by the supervising consultant, without the supervising
consultant being present, except as otherwise noted. These procedures may include procedures that are
usually performed under local anaesthesia.
After appropriate training, the PA may assist the supervising surgeon in the operating room
Recognises and considers age-specific needs of the patients
Effectively communicates and interacts with patients, families, staff and members of the community
Ensures compliance with legal, regulatory and clinical policies and procedures
Participates in Quality Improvement initiates and activities
Attends weekly ward and clinical MDTs
Recognises situations which require the immediate attention of a doctor and initiates life-saving procedures
when necessary
Adhere to job classification standards such as exposure to risk to blood-born pathogens, radioactive
substances and the physical demands and work environment (heavy lifting, exposure risk to contagious
disease, radiation, infection etc).
Comply with hospital policies and procedures such as infection control
Representing the best interests of Beaumont Hospital and RCSI at all times
Licensure / Certification

Current licensure as a Physician Associate, or Registered with UK Physician Associate Managed Voluntary
Register.
Must be board certified from the National Commission on Certification of Physicians Associates (NCCPA) at
the time of hire and maintain certification during employment with BH / RCSI
Certification in Basic Life Support and Intermediate Cardiac Life Support
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Qualifications

Graduate of a Physician Associate Programme accredited by American, Canadian, British or Dutch PA

programmes.
Minimum of 2 years experience in an acute hospital setting within chosen discipline.

Skills & Competencies

Dynamic medical profession that can work both as part of a team and independently
Demonstrated ability to function in collaboration with other health care professional
Ability to make decisions and meet deadlines.
Demonstrates an effective communication style appropriate to audience and situation.
Computer skills
Review and Renewal Requirements
This job description will be reviewed after a 12-month period as part of the pilot review or by change of law or
practice.
Informal Queries to Pauline Joyce pjoyce@rcsi.ie