PAs' perspective on leadership in medicine

Abstract

Objective: This study evaluated physician associate/assistant (PA) training and confidence in leadership and leadership skills, as well as where best to incorporate leadership training for the profession. Methods: A quantitative survey was administered to assess PAs' perceptions of leadership and degree of leadership training during their primary PA education. The study also solicited where in the career trajectory leadership training is perceived to be most effective. Of the 284 participants who responded to the survey, 207 had complete responses that were used in the analysis. Results: Nearly 92% of PAs agreed that they aspire to be leaders, and 93.2% agreed or strongly agreed that leadership training would be beneficial during PA school. Additionally, more than 50% of PAs agreed that they had no training but desired more regarding personal mastery, teaching, administration, ideals of a healthy workforce, vision and goal setting, getting results, coalitions, and system transformation. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that PAs desired supplemental training in leadership to cultivate career goals and reported that formal leadership training would be useful to cope with and overcome adversity in clinical practice.