Physician Assistants Find Opportunities

Demand for dermatology physician assistants has accelerated because there's a national shortage of dermatologists resulting in prolonged appointment waiting times for new patients. Despite an increasingly aging population with skin cancers and other conditions, the number of dermatology residency training programs has remained stable for about three decades, said Gary Westbrock, a director at large of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants.

Meanwhile, heightened awareness of skin cancer has led to more office visits for diagnosis and treatment. And dermatologists are busier carrying out cosmetic procedures, which leaves fewer appointments for other patients. That's where physician assistants fill an essential need.

"Dermatology is a rapidly growing area for PAs," said Bethany Grubb, a faculty associate in dermatology at UT Southwestern Medical Center. "I would strongly encourage physician assistants who are interested in dermatology to find a dermatologist [board-certified or board-eligible] who is truly willing to teach them."

Another option for aspiring physician assistants is to complete the unique one-year dermatology post-graduate program at UT Southwestern, which enrolls one new person every six months. "Enrollment is limited because of the resources required to train students in clinical settings that are very labor-intensive and faculty-driven in terms of instructional time commitments," said P. Eugene Jones, professor and chairman of physician assistant studies.

The program began in summer 2001 under the leadership of Dr. Ponciano Cruz, vice chairman of dermatology. "He conceived of the idea as an opportunity to help formalize the educational content and skill set needed for PAs to practice in the specialty of dermatology," said Dr. Jones, who has a doctorate in education and is editor-in-chief of the Journal of Physician Assistant Education. About 10 to 15 candidates from across the U.S. apply for each opening, which carries a $35,000 stipend and benefits. The trainee is selected based on high academic achievement and dedication to the specialty.

"All of our graduates have successfully gained employment in a range of clinical dermatology practice settings," Dr. Jones said, citing managed-care organizations and doctors' offices. Starting salaries are usually at least $80,000.

According to the BLS, “Employment of PAs is expected to grow much faster than average for all occupations through the year 2014, ranking among the fastest growing occupations, due to anticipated expansion of the health care industry and an emphasis on cost containment, resulting in increasing utilization of PAs by physicians and health care institutions. Physicians and institutions are expected to employ more PAs to provide primary care and to assist with medical and surgical procedures because PAs are cost-effective and productive members of the health care team.

Physician assistants can relieve physicians of routine duties and procedures. Telemedicine—using technology to facilitate interactive consultations between physicians and physician assistants—also will expand the use of physician assistants. Job opportunities for PAs should be good, particularly in rural and inner city clinics, because those settings have difficulty attracting physicians.” BLS also indicated that Median annual earnings of physician assistants were $69,410 in 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $57,110 and $83,560.

The Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants indicates the average PA student is age 33, has over 4 years of health-care experience, and is a college degree before entering a PA program. Typical backgrounds of PA students include nursing, EMT, med-tech, paramedic, etc.

Most Physician Assistant Programs last 24 to 27 continuous months and use the medical school model.

Source: Dallas Morning News, Susan Kreimer, 8/6/7