The Journey of Physician Associates in India: Transforming Healthcare with Dedication and Vision

The Indian Physician Associate

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, new roles continually emerge to meet growing demands and enhance quality and efficiency. One such pivotal role in India is that of the Physician Associate (PA), a profession that bridges the gap between doctors and patients while significantly contributing to the healthcare ecosystem. The journey of this profession has been one of innovation, perseverance, and dedication, spearheaded by trailblazers and supported by the Indian Association of Physician Assistants (IAPA). This blog explores the inspiring evolution of Physician Associates in India, their contributions, challenges, and the path forward.

How It All Began: The Birth of the PA Profession in India

The concept of the Physician Associate, akin to similar roles in the United States, was first introduced in India in 1992 at the Madras Medical Mission (MMM), a pioneering cardiac care institution. Dr. K.M. Cherian, a renowned cardiac surgeon, brought this innovative idea to life. During his fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in the U.S., Dr. Cherian observed the critical role that PAs played in supporting doctors and enhancing patient care. Inspired, he adapted the concept to the Indian context. India is grateful for Dr Cherian’s vision, and long-term commitment to the PA profession in India.

The program initially started in the field of cardiac surgery, with just three students at MMM. Despite facing resistance and scepticism—primarily because the role was new and unfamiliar in India—it set the foundation for a career path that has since expanded across the country. Today, over 120 institutions in India offer PA programs, underscoring the profession’s growth and acceptance in the healthcare system.

The Role and Importance of Physician Associates

Physician Associates hold a unique position within the healthcare delivery system. They perform a variety of critical functions, including:

– Taking patient histories and conducting physical examinations.

– Performing diagnostic tests and assisting in surgeries.

– Managing chronic diseases and providing emergency care.

– Contributing to public health initiatives and patient education on disease prevention.

– Supporting healthcare administration by coordinating care and improving quality benchmarks.

Their ability to seamlessly integrate into medical teams significantly enhances the efficiency of healthcare delivery in India, particularly in settings where skilled doctors may be in limited supply. PAs are well-trained to handle routine clinical tasks, allowing doctors to focus on complex cases and surgeries, thereby optimizing resource utilization.Challenges on the Path to Recognition

As with any new profession, the journey of PAs in India wasn’t without hurdles. Initially, many universities were reluctant to support the program because it was unfamiliar. Traditional boundaries between doctors and nurses posed additional resistance, as both groups were unsure of how PAs fit into the hierarchy of healthcare roles.

In the early days, the role of PAs was introduced as “something between a doctor and a nurse,” which fuelled misconceptions and scepticism. Due to this scepticism, the profession had to work hard to define itself. But thanks to the dedication of individuals like Dr. Cherian, who worked on establishing the profession’s credibility in the field of cardiac surgery, the program was able to gain the trust of the medical community.

Building on this, the partnership with BITS Pilani, a prestigious university, played a critical role in solidifying the program’s legitimacy and quality. Through this collaboration, formal, high-quality training programs were established, helping to shape PAs into highly trained professionals. Dr. Cherian’s efforts, supported by academic leaders like Professor C.V. Ramakrishnan, were crucial in turning the vision into a reality and ultimately advancing the PA profession in India.

Case Studies: Breaking New Ground

The video highlights the experiences of early PA students at the Madras Medical Mission.

Despite their successes, early PAs faced societal challenges. Since the role was relatively unknown, many struggled with a lack of recognition from patients and peers in the medical field. However, over time, as their value became evident, these perceptions began to change.

Growth and Advancement of the Profession

Today, PAs are an integral part of the healthcare system in India. They have expanded beyond cardiac surgery to other specialties, such as internal medicine, emergency medicine, oncology, orthopedics, etc. Their contributions aren’t limited to clinical work; PAs actively participate in public health initiatives, patient education, disease prevention, clinical research, and healthcare administration—further underscoring the versatility of their role.

The Indian Association of Physician Assistants (IAPA) has been instrumental in advancing the profession. Through conferences, workshops, and advocacy, IAPA ensures that PAs receive the recognition and support they deserve. It has also created a sense of community among PAs, fostering professional development and collaboration.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Physician Associates in India

As India’s healthcare sector continues to evolve, the role of PAs is poised for even greater expansion. With the growing demand for healthcare services, particularly in rural and underserved areas, as well as overburdened healthcare settings, PAs are well-positioned to fill critical gaps. Their ability to provide efficient, patient-focused care makes them indispensable in the journey toward improving healthcare accessibility and quality in India. The profession has been officially recognised with the passing of the India Allied and Healthcare Professions Bill in 2021 which paves the way for PA registration, accreditation of PA academic programmes and support for national PA competencies and a core curriculum.

The IAPA remains committed to strengthening the profession and supporting the Allied and Healthcare Professions Act by advocating for better recognition, standardized training, and opportunities for professional growth. Their efforts, combined with the dedication of PAs across the nation, are transforming healthcare and building a healthier future for all. Dr Cherian would be very proud of this accomplishment, which he was fortunate to witness before his passing in 2025.

Conclusion: A Tribute to Pioneers and a Call to Celebrate PAs

The story of PAs in India is a testament to the power of vision, hard work, and adaptability. What began as a small initiative at the Madras Medical Mission has grown into a vital pillar of the healthcare system, thanks to the efforts of trailblazers like Dr. K.M. Cherian and the resilience of early PAs who took a leap of faith into an uncharted career path.

As we look to the future, it is essential to celebrate the contributions of PAs and support the continued growth of the profession. Their work is not just about bridging gaps in healthcare—it’s about transforming lives and building a stronger, more resilient healthcare system for India.

Let us continue to honor and support this vital profession, ensuring that Physician Associates receive the recognition and resources they need to thrive. Together, we can build a healthier and brighter future for all.

By Gomathi Sundar, President of Indian Association of Physician Associates

Email: President@iapaonline.org