The PA Advantage in the Future of Healthcare
Jennifer Kolb, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA
This four-part series, led by PA Dr. Jennifer Kolb, Chief Medical Officer of AAPA, explores the evolution of the healthcare workforce and the vital role physician associates play in shaping its future. It highlights how PAs have grown into one of the fastest-expanding, most adaptable professions in medicine, trusted by patients and increasingly serving in leadership roles. The series examines the barriers that continue to limit PA practice, presenting evidence for why modernizing policies is essential to improve access, equity, and system resilience.
Looking ahead to 2035, Dr. Kolb envisions healthcare teams that are collaborative, technology-enabled, and community-driven—with PAs at the center. Finally, she outlines practical steps health system leaders must take now, from removing outdated barriers to investing in PA leadership, retention, and workforce planning, to ensure a sustainable, patient-centered future.
Video 1: The PA Advantage: The Workforce Evolution & The PA Difference
PA and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jenn Kolb introduces the current healthcare landscape, emphasizing the need to embrace a collaborative model that includes PAs. Highlighting their rigorous training and adaptability, she shares statistics on their growing presence and leadership roles, advocating for their integration into healthcare systems to meet rising demands.
Video 2: The PA Advantage: Smarter Utilization of the Providers We Already Have
This video addresses the misconception of a provider shortage, framing it instead as a utilization issue. Dr. Kolb discusses outdated barriers that restrict PAs and provides evidence that removing these can enhance patient access and care quality. She emphasizes the importance of utilizing PAs effectively to maximize healthcare resources.
Video 3: The PA Advantage: Healthcare Teams in 2035
Fast-forwarding to 2035, Dr. Kolb envisions a transformed healthcare landscape where PAs play central roles in team-based, technology-enabled, and community-driven care. She underscores the necessity for flexible, adaptive teams to address the growing healthcare challenges, urging organizations to start implementing these changes now.
Video 4: The PA Advantage: What Health System Leaders Must Do Now
In the final video, Dr. Kolb outlines actionable steps for health system leaders to prepare for the future. She advocates for removing barriers to PA impact, building leadership pathways, investing in retention, integrating PAs into workforce planning, and fostering collaborations to strengthen the healthcare workforce.
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