Physician assistants (PAs) are health professionals licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision. Physician assistants are qualified through graduation from an accredited physician assistant educational program and certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. Within the physician/PA relationship, physician assistants exercise autonomy in medical decision-making and provide a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services. The clinical role of physician assistants includes primary and specialty care in medical and surgical practice settings in rural and urban areas. Physician assistant practice is centered on patient care but may also include educational, research and administrative activities.
A commitment to quality patient care is the foundation of the PA profession. By assuming some of the duties traditionally performed by a physician, the PA enables the supervising physician to spend more time with patients who have serious or more complicated problems.
For over 40 years, PAs have been integral members of the health care team. In New Mexico, PAs have been providing patient care since the early 1970's and have had prescriptive authority since 1989. Responding to the rural health care needs of the state, the legislature in 1994 funded the development of a Physician Assistant Program at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine.
The University of New Mexico Physician Program takes pride in selecting applicants who represent the best of New Mexico. As our classes are small, we are able to work closely with individuals of varying backgrounds and skill levels. Over the 10 year history of the program the class size has increased from the initial 8 students to the current 15 students. The numbers below reflect the pass rate for the national board exam (PANCE) for first time takers and repeaters for the past 5 years.
PANCE | Class of 2007 | Class of 2006 | Class of 2005 | Class of 2004 | Class of 2003 | 5-year Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
First Take |
100% |
100% |
91% |
85% |
80% |
91% |
Repeat Take |
N/A |
N/A |
100% |
92% |
100% |
97% |
A large part of the PA professional curriculum is based on the principle of small group, problem-based learning tutorials. Generally six hours a week is devoted to the tutorial. Through this method of learning, the student is exposed to pathophysiology, behavioral medicine and population health.
Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is a method of learning in which the student encounters a problem (typically in the case format), followed by a student-centered inquiry process. Basic to PBL is that the problem is presented first without advance readings, lectures, or preparation. The problem itself serves as a stimulus for the need to know. The students then determine what they already know and what they need to learn in order to advance their understanding of the problem(s). What the student needs to know serves as a foundation for the learning process.
The case problem often simulates the clinical setting. The tutor facilitates and guides learning without contributing directly to the solution of the problem or being the primary source of information. Self-directed study between sessions is a key part of the process.
A case most often begins with the reason for a person’s visit to the clinician or the health care setting. Students are asked to identify the problem/s and record them on the board. A list of ideas is then generated about what might be going on with the patient. For each hypothesis (a concept, not a diagnosis) generated, students are encouraged to explain their thinking and understanding to the group. This allows the students to develop existing individual and collective knowledge, reasoning, and communication skills.
The tutorial is an ideal setting to focus on what is needed for growth and development in competencies such as knowledge, reasoning, and communication (patient and peer). In PBL the student has a forum to show their ability to integrate knowledge across time and discipline while developing an understanding of the purpose of the various clinical skills. At the same time value is placed on the professional attitudes, values, and ethics of the health care provider. Self-assessment, peer and tutor feedback are used to enhance learning and development.
The interested applicant is referred to the following web-site that was used as a source for much of the above information on Problem-based learning. www.network.unimaas.nl/position/pp_pbl.htm
A typical week in the UNM PA program includes 8-10 hours of lecture & lab shared with the MD students. An average of 6 PBL hours is spent back in the PA classrooms in groups of 5-7 students. Afternoons are reserved for other classes required by the PA curriculum
| Lecture | Integrated lectures and labs | Integrated lectures and labs | Lecture | Integrated lectures and labs |
| PA Tutorial | PA Tutorial | |||
| PA Classes | PA Classes | Clinical Skills | PA Classes | PA Classes |
Department of Family and Community Medicine
Physician Assistant Program
MSC09 5040
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001
(505) 272-9678
Phone: (505)272-9678
e-mail
