925 Qualified PAs Inducted in International Edition

Introduction to the Induction of New Physician Assistants

The Medical and Dental Council (MDC) recently welcomed 925 newly qualified Physician Assistants (PAs) into the medical and dental profession. This significant event marks an important step in addressing the evolving healthcare needs of patients across the country. The newly inducted PAs include Medical and Oral Health practitioners, as well as Anaesthetics, all of whom are expected to play a vital role in improving healthcare delivery.

Government Initiatives and Professional Development

Dr. Grace Ayensu, Deputy Minister of Health, addressed the inductees and emphasized the importance of professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct in their work. She highlighted that the government is currently reforming the Physician Assistant profession by shifting from direct post-secondary entry to a post-basic model. This change requires applicants to have prior training and experience in allied health fields, ensuring that trainees gain clinical exposure and develop maturity before entering the profession.

Additionally, the government is developing a program for outstanding physician assistants with diverse academic backgrounds. This initiative aims to provide them with further training to become medical doctors or dentists, aligning with national health workforce planning goals.

Transition to Professional Practice

Dr. Divine Ndonbi Banyubala, Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council, explained that the qualified practitioners have received provisional registration, allowing them to begin their pre-registration practice, commonly known as internship, at accredited facilities in Ghana. He noted that this transition from a supervised learning environment to frontline practice comes with great responsibility.

“Today you transition from the sheltered environment of supervised learning to the realities of frontline practice, from today you bear primary professional responsibility for the lives entrusted to you,” he said. The Registrar also warned that the professional registration is conditional and only valid at the facility where they are posted. During this supervised practice period, the council will assess their competence and readiness for full licensure.

Ethical Standards and Patient Care

Dr. Agyeman Badu Akosa, Chairman of the 11th Board of the Medical and Dental Council, urged the inductees to treat every patient with equality and dignity. He emphasized that illness does not discriminate and that all people deserve equal treatment regardless of their background. Dr. Akosah also stressed the importance of recognizing and working within the limits of one's competence. Referring patients to colleagues when necessary was described as a sign of strength, not weakness.

He reminded the new practitioners that knowledge seeking is a lifelong journey. He encouraged them to be guided by honesty, openness, and equity, never discriminating against patients or abusing their trust.

Educational Backgrounds of the Inductees

The inductees come from a variety of educational institutions, including:

• Anglican University College of Technology, Nkoranza
• Central University, Tema
• College of Health and Well-being, Kintampo
• School of Anaesthesia, 37 Military Hospital
• School of Anaesthesia Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi
• School of Anaesthesia, Ridge, Accra
• Radford University College
• University for Development Studies, Tamale

Other institutions include:

• Garden City College, Kumasi
• College of Health, Yamfo
• University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho
• Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) School of Health and Dentistry
• Pentecost University, Accra
• Presbyterian University, Agogo
• University of Cape Coast Physician Assistant Programme, Cape Coast
• And foreign-trained physician assistants

This diverse group of professionals represents a broad spectrum of training and experience, reflecting the commitment to strengthening the healthcare system through skilled and dedicated individuals.