Oliver consultant in geriatrics and acute general medicineThis year has seen much controversy around plans to expand the numbers of medical associate professionals (MAPs) in the NHS-mainly physician associates (PAs) but also surgical care practitioners and anaesthesia associates. On 20 November the government announced a commissioned review into PA and anaesthesia associate professions, 1 focusing on safety and their appropriate roles within services and wider health teams. The health secretary, Wes Streeting, said that he aimed to end "toxic debate" over the issue. 2