The chronic doctor shortage in Israel has several remedies, including introducing a new medical sector position: the physician assistant.
Starting in August, physician assistants will be on staff at medical clinics and hospitals and will carry out crucial tasks, such as recommending imaging, approving prescriptions, initiating drug treatments, and participating in chronic care management.
The purpose of the physician assistant is to ease the burden off of doctors and paramedics, many of whom are overworked in understaffed hospitals.
To qualify as physician assistants, students must earn a master’s degree, and the curriculum includes anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pharmacology.
The Health Ministry, “This is part of the Ministry’s efforts to expand the pool of healthcare providers and improve patient experience within the healthcare system.”
