Ontario Hospital Association
200 Front Street West, Suite 2800
Toronto, Ontario, M5V 3L1
Tel: (416) 205-1345 Fax: (416) 205-1360
Visit our Web Site: http://www.oha.com
November 23, 2010
Toronto, ON - The Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) offers its sincere congratulations to the 21 students who graduated as the first class of the Ontario Physician Assistant (PA) Program, which began in 2008 at McMaster University.
The PA initiative was launched in 2006 in tandem with the Government of Ontario’s health human resources strategy, which included the creation of several new health care provider roles. One of these new roles was the PA, a skilled health professional who assists in the delivery of medical services. The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care partnered with the Ontario Medical Association and the Ontario Physician Assistant Initiative to introduce and evaluate the PA role in a variety of clinical settings.
The OHA manages the PA hospital demonstration projects and fully supports the PA initiative as a model to expand care. To date, the PA initiative has shown results in expanding the ability of the health care system to deliver quality care for patients.
PAs work under the supervision of a licensed physician and can perform tasks within their supervising physician’s scope of practice. Over 80 PAs are currently working in a variety of health care teams across the province including hospitals, family health teams, community care centres and other community settings.
All 21 graduates from the class have secured positions within Ontario.
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About the OHA: The Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) is the voice of Ontario’s public hospitals. Founded in 1924, the OHA uses advocacy, education and partnerships to build a strong, innovative and sustainable health care system for all Ontarians.
For further information
Alessandra Nigro, OHA Public Affairs
anigro@oha.com
416-205-1592