Supporting the Use of the Term Physician Associate

The Board of Directors of PAs for Tomorrow (PAFT) supports the regular and professional use of the term Physician Associate, including blended forms such as Physician Associate/Physician Assistant or Physician Associate/PA, in both clinical and non-clinical  settings. This terminology more accurately reflects the modern responsibilities, autonomy, and identity of the PA profession than the outdated term “assistant.”

The term Physician Associate has deep historical roots. It was widely used in the 1960s and 70s, including in the AAPA’s 1971 journal Physician’s Associate. However, political pressure in the late 70s and early 80s prompted a shift to “Physician Assistant.” In 2021, the AAPA House of Delegates formally endorsed “Physician Associate” following a national branding study that found the term “assistant” misrepresents the profession. Despite this
endorsement, the recommendation to delay implementation until state legislative changes could be enacted weakened momentum and hindered national adoption.

The term “assistant” inaccurately implies a subordinate role and does not reflect the scope of practice, clinical expertise, or autonomous decision-making exercised by PAs. In contrast, “associate” communicates parity, professionalism, and medical authority. Patients and colleagues often misunderstand the PA role due to this terminology gap, which impacts perception and undermines professional identity. It is notable that the profession has been referred to using terms like “APP,” “APC,” and “mid-level” for decades—none of which are protected titles, yet they have not drawn regulatory concern. Why should “Physician Associate,” which aligns with our true function, be any different?

Across healthcare, many professionals use non-legally protected or alternative titles without legal consequence. Physicians and dentists use “Doctor,” APRNs use “Nurse Practitioner,” and chiropractors, optometrists, and naturopaths often describe themselves  as “physicians.” These practices continue without objection from state medical boards. PAFT questions why “Physician Associate,” used with professional clarity and intent, would
be uniquely problematic unless politically motivated.

The rise of “Assistant Physician” as a separate provider category in several states only compounds the issue. The similarity in titles creates confusion for patients—particularly in Spanish-speaking communities where “assistant” and “associate” may translate similarly. “Physician Associate” serves to differentiate the PA profession clearly from this newer role.

PAFT recommends that PAs begin incorporating “Physician Associate” or a blended title such as “Physician Associate/PA” into their clinical documentation, professional materials, and name badges—particularly in states where “PA” is a protected title. We respectfully  request that AAPA publicly endorse this blended usage in alignment with the 2021 HOD decision, and that PAEA encourage its member programs to update their program names to reflect this evolution.

This position reflects PAFT’s commitment to advancing professional identity, promoting clarity in healthcare communication, and supporting the broader goal of full practice authority. Waiting for legislative change in every state unnecessarily delays our collective progress. The time for title alignment is now.

This statement is intended for advocacy and professional guidance purposes only. It does not
constitute legal advice. Please consult with a qualified attorney for legal counsel

 Reframing Advocacy in the PA Profession

At PAs for Tomorrow (PAFT), we believe that advocacy is not a peripheral component of our profession—it is a foundational one. As the PA profession evolves, so must our approach to teaching, practicing, and embodying advocacy across all stages of our careers.

Despite its importance, advocacy remains underemphasized in PA education. From day one of PA school through graduation, many students are never introduced to the national issues that shape our future. We’ve spoken to students who mistakenly believe the NCCPA is their primary professional body. Many have never heard of Optimal Team Practice (OTP) or PA Modernization efforts, and some report that faculty discourage support for positions taken by the AAPA House of Delegates. As a result, new graduates often feel disconnected from their state and national associations and are unaware of the critical role these organizations play in their professional stability and advancement.

We believe PAs should graduate understanding that without the advocacy infrastructure built by our state and national organizations, the future of the profession would be uncertain. Advocacy must be integrated across every stage of practice—early, mid-career, and late—and be a core component of graduate, doctoral, and continuing education.

Currently, many PA programs do not expose students to basic advocacy concepts. Students are often unfamiliar with the correct use of our professional title, lack experience in communicating their role to patients or staff, and are unaware of the importance of attending state and national conferences. Some have never participated in Legislative Advocacy Day or interacted with state leadership. This disconnect leaves new professionals uninformed about the systems and challenges that affect their careers.

On the local level, advocacy begins with awareness. PAs must understand what’s happening within their hospitals, clinics, and healthcare systems—where their role is embraced, and where it’s overlooked. Empowering PAs to unite within these institutions creates strength in numbers. Advocacy and professional power are deeply intertwined, and our ability to
demonstrate cost-effective, high-quality care is enhanced when we advocate with clarity
and coordination. 

Nationally, advocacy can take many forms. We need stronger public visibility, greater investment in research, more effective media messaging, and coordinated efforts to tell our story. Whether it’s responding to exclusionary language in pharmaceutical advertising, amplifying PAs on social media, or supporting international PA developments, there is
opportunity in every corner to increase our voice and visibility.

To help address this advocacy gap, PAFT proposes the following:

– A National Advocacy Newsletter: A monthly publication distributed to every PA program and state organization. This newsletter would highlight legislative news, professional updates, and key advocacy campaigns. We recommend each PA program assign a student Advocacy Ambassador to present this newsletter to their class every two weeks.

– Curriculum Integration: PA programs should deliver regular lectures on the state, national, and international climates shaping the PA profession. These sessions would help students understand the broader landscape of their work and encourage proactive engagement.

– Transparent Communication: Making our members aware of both the challenges and successes our organizations face fosters trust, pride, and participation. When PAs understand the “why,” they are more likely to engage with the “how.”

We firmly believe that these efforts will not only strengthen individual professional identity but will also elevate the collective power of the PA profession. Advocacy is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity. If we want to shape our future, protect our role, and expand our reach, we must make advocacy a shared, ongoing commitment.

PAFT remains dedicated to helping move our profession forward through education,
awareness, and collective action. Advocacy is one of our most powerful tools to make that
vision a reality

This statement is intended for advocacy and professional guidance purposes only. It does not
constitute legal advice. Please consult with a qualified attorney for legal counsel