South Africa celebrates 15 years of clinical associates

Abstract

Clinical associates (ClinAs) in South Africa are modeled after physician associates in the United States and the Netherlands and clinical officers elsewhere in Africa. The first ClinAs began their education in 2008 and started working in 2011. Three universities offer a 3-year bachelor of clinical medical practice degree. This article documents the nascent healthcare profession's origins, development, current status, and future. In the next decade, South Africa needs to address the challenges of ClinA supervision with tiered practice regulations, combat unemployment, and increase graduate retention by developing career paths.