Physician Associates in Geriatric medicine

Dr Natalie Powell is a Consultant in Acute and Geriatric Medicine at Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust. She tweets at @NPowellNatalie

Looking back I wonder how I ever coped without our Physician Associates (PAs).  Still a relatively new role in the NHS, PAs have been working in the United States for over 40 years.  They work to the medical model and are holistic practitioners with a variety of skills ideally suited to caring for older people. They are able to provide continuity for patient care on the wards; a familiar face for patients, relatives and ward staff to get to know.  They go that extra mile to make sure older people get the care and attention they deserve.