International Physician Associate (PA) Summit: A Global Collaboration for the Future of PA Practice

A landmark International Physician Associate (PA) Summit was recently convened in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, bringing together PA leaders, educators, and advocates from across the globe. Organized through a collaborative effort by four leading PA associations (AAPA, ARC-PA, NCCPA, and PAEA), the summit served as a powerful platform to unite voices and increase awareness of the international landscape of the PA and PA equivalents.

This high-level gathering featured participation from key stakeholders and representatives spanning multiple continents, highlighting the growing international footprint of the PA profession. A notable highlight was the active involvement of the International Academy of PA Educators (IAPAE) board members and chairs, who engaged in meaningful and impactful discussions that brought valuable insights into the academic and training landscapes of PAs across the globe.

The summit provided a platform to spotlight the PA system in the US and foster strategic partnerships aimed at enhancing the visibility and impact of the PA profession worldwide. The International PA Summit marked a significant step toward global cohesion in PA advocacy, education, and leadership, reinforcing the profession’s commitment to collaborative, patient-centered care in an increasingly interconnected world. A press release statement was shared by NCCPA to summarise the event as follows:

“A group of thought leaders from around the world came together to discuss and increase awareness of the international landscape of the PA and equivalent, education and the profession, learning from each other, having a very informed and thoughtful discussion around the future possibilities.”

News article written by Dr. Anitha Chandrasekhar, DMSc, Physician Associate, IAPAE Chair of Communication and Innovation Committee. Anitha was trained in India and is now based in Chicago, Illinois, USA as a Transplant Specialist.