Physician associate role under increasing scrutiny after death of Salford woman
manchestereveningnews.co.ukAlmost a quarter of people do not know the difference between a physician associate and a doctor, according to a new poll. While 52% of people can differentiate between the two roles, some 23% said they did not know the difference, according to a survey conducted for Healthwatch England.
The patient champion has called for more clarity around the role of physician associates (PAs), who only have basic-level medical training and aren't qualified doctors.
The role of a physician associate is under increasing scrutiny following the death of 30-year-old Emily Chesterton, originally from Salford, who died after she was misdiagnosed by a PA. READ MORE: 'I tried the fry-up at the "beautiful" Greater Manchester spot named one of the region’s best' The aspiring actor, who had moved to London to pursue her career, visited her GP practice twice complaining of calf pain and shortness of breath.
She was under the impression she had seen a GP, but had actually seen a PA. Emily was misdiagnosed with long covid and anxiety - for which she was wrongly prescribed medication to slow her heart.
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