Emergency Physician Assistant (Biology, BA)

Graeme Jones, Headwaters Health Care Centre

By: Avneet Kahlon, Outreach & Support Peer

Graeme Jones completed the Honours Bachelor of Science program in Biology and the Master of Science in Integrative Biology at Laurier. His focus during these studies was on immunology, virology and molecular biology. Graeme had always aspired to a career in the science or medical field but was uncertain about pursuing medical school due to the complex application journey, prolonged training and financially demanding process. Graeme discovered the novel Physician Assistant (PA) field through insights from a friend enrolled in the program, motivating him to conduct additional research to enhance his understanding of it. This exploration heightened Graeme's interest, leading him to pursue the two-year PA Education Program at McMaster University. After completion, he pursued specialized training in emergency medicine to equip himself with the skills necessary for handling urgent and complex medical scenarios.

As an Emergency Medicine PA, Graeme plays a pivotal role in the delivery of emergency medical services, with each shift presenting a dynamic set of challenges. In each shift, he practices as one member of a clinical provider team, seeing and treating patients. In the emergency department, he conducts initial assessments and orders necessary diagnostic tests. His responsibilities extend to reviewing test results, formulating diagnoses and devising comprehensive management plans. Depending on the case, Graeme may perform various medical procedures such as casting, suturing, reduction of broken bones, placement of chest tubes/drains, and more. He evaluates whether patients should be discharged or admitted to the hospital, ensuring timely interventions for optimal outcomes. Beyond patient interactions, Graeme dedicates time to administrative tasks including dictating notes for medical records. This collaborative method, where PAs seamlessly work with Physicians and other healthcare professionals, highlights the efficient and effective provision of emergency medical services. It highlights the complementary roles within the healthcare system, ensuring optimal care for patients in the emergency department.

During his undergraduate studies at Laurier, Graeme engaged in valuable volunteering and work experiences, such as dedicating his time to the endoscopy unit at St. Mary's General Hospital in Kitchener and serving as a Surgical Assistant in an Angolan hospital during a semester off in West Africa.

Graeme emphasizes the critical nature of communication and collaboration in emergency medicine. Building strong relationships with colleagues, communicating clearly with patients and their families, and coordinating with various healthcare professionals are essential components of his role. Compassion and empathy are at the core of Graeme's approach, ensuring that patients receive not only efficient medical care but also a supportive and reassuring presence during challenging times. Additionally, Graeme highlights the dynamic and fast-paced nature of emergency medicine, where high energy, adaptability to chaotic situations and quick decision-making are essential. He discusses the collaborative environment within the emergency department where teamwork is crucial for providing timely and effective care. Graeme also emphasized the continuous learning aspect of his role, staying updated on the latest medical advancements and protocols to deliver the best possible outcomes for his patients.

During his undergraduate studies at Laurier, Graeme engaged in valuable volunteering and work experiences, such as dedicating his time to the endoscopy unit at St. Mary's General Hospital in Kitchener and serving as a Surgical Assistant in an Angolan hospital during a semester off in West Africa. These experiences strongly influenced his decision to pursue a career in medicine. Additionally, Graeme contributed to the development of a COVID-19 contact tracing program with Collingwood General & Marine Hospital. Following the completion of his master's, he worked as an ophthalmologist assistant in Toronto, adding to his diverse experiences that ultimately positioned him for his current PA role. Throughout his academic journey, Graeme benefited from receiving letters of recommendation from various professors, mentorship from Dr. DeWitte-Orr in his MSc program, as well as insights from a friend in the PA program. His role as a Teaching Assistant for a Parasitology course also connected him with more academic mentors.

The path to becoming a certified Physician Assistant is a substantial commitment. With limited spots available, the program's competitiveness adds an extra layer of challenge to the stringent application process. Drawing parallels to his personal journey, Graeme sheds light on the transformative process that aspiring Physician Assistants navigate:

  • Successfully complete an undergraduate degree (3-4 years), preferably in sciences
  • While having a master's is not mandatory, some applicants possess one
  • Gain relevant healthcare experience through work or volunteering. Some programs require a minimum number of hours
  • Apply to a recognized Physician Assistant Education Program in Canada. Ensure that the program is accredited by the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) or meets the standards set by the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants (CAPA)
  • Successfully complete a recognized PA Program (2 years), the first year focuses on knowledge-based lectures, and the second year involves hands-on training, working in a hospital or clinic
  • After completing the PA program, candidates must pass the PA Certification Council of Canada (PACCC) National Certification Exam. If exam is successfully cleared, Individuals can move forward in their pursuit of becoming a certified PA in Canada. 

The PA profession in Canada is evolving, marked by growing awareness and advocacy, indicating potential expansions in roles like independent prescribing and increased administrative/leadership involvement. One notable consideration is a potential name change to "Physician Associate," aligning with trends in the US and the UK. As well, while previously unregulated, the Physician Assistant profession has recently become regulated under the College of Physician & Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

For those aspiring to follow in Graeme’s footsteps, it is advised to seek diverse clinical experiences, connect with practicing PAs, maintain a strong academic record, and set up shadowing and volunteering in medical or scientific domains to accelerate your journey into the PA profession!