The Future Is Now: Physician Assistant Programs, Practice, and the Library

The live session took place on Tuesday, August 11. You can access the recording of the session by selecting the "Access recording" button and using password: 2Z3pSvb+

Session Format: This session will feature a moderated panel discussion and facilitated round tables for small group discussion.

Objective: There are now 238 physician assistant programs in the United States and over 130,000 practicing Physician Assistants (PAs). How are medical libraries supporting this rapidly expanding segment of the healthcare workforce? This immersion session will bring together PAs and librarians to evaluate the current landscape of PA education and clinical support, share best practices, and network. The panelists will cover different aspects of supporting PA Programs and practicing physician assistants. Some of the topics will include: an overview of the birth of the Physician Assistant profession and where the profession is headed; supporting the students and faculty of both in-person and online PA programs; curricular and accreditation considerations; an partnering with practicing PAs.
Instructional

Methods: This session will feature a moderated panel discussion with three Physician Assistant (PA) Library Liaisons who serve an in-person PA educational program, a distance education PA program, and/or PAs in the clinic. Those panelists will overview their services and explore similarities, differences and challenges faced across institutions. We also will have a video presentation from a well-known Physician Assistant clinician/educator on the history and future of the PA profession to further acquaint attendees with the field. After the panel presentations, attendees will discuss topics proposed by the panelists in smaller, facilitated groups. Round table discussion topics may include: mapping library services to curricular and accreditation requirements, strategies for reaching distance students, supporting practicing PAs, building support for new programs, and more.
Participant Engagement: Participants will be able to participate in PollEverywhere questions at the beginning of the session to get a sense of who is in the room and how they are currently serving PAs. They will be able to submit questions during the panel component of the session through the conference app and during the Q & A panel portion. During the round table component, participants will share their thoughts and experiences on a pre-defined topic with their smaller group. As a wrap up, each table will be given the opportunity to share a major take away with the larger group.
Sponsors: Technology in Education Caucus; Libraries in Health Science Curriculum Caucus; and Clinical Librarians and Evidence-Based Healthcare Caucus