President's Message

On behalf of Canada’s Physician Assistants and the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants (CAPA) Board of Directors (BOD), I welcome you.  The PA profession is a rapidly growing and rewarding one filled with dynamic people. In a very short time we have evolved from an organization that existed only in the Canadian Forces to one that has four university level programs and dedicated professionals working in four provinces. Physician Assistants (PAs) have improved access to care in surgery, emergency departments, and family health care teams and we continue to make inroads into a multitude of disciplines. PAs believe in, and thrive in, a patient centric team approach to health care, partnering with other disciplines with one focus; improving patient care.

PAs are self-motivated individuals who come from rich and varied backgrounds. PA candidates are selected amongst a large number of applicants for their medical and life experience, and must possess the ability to learn a great deal in a short period of time. PAs are not independent health care providers, but are physician extenders. This relationship provides a format for negotiated autonomy within a supervised structure.

CAPA offers, through the Physician Assistant Certification Council of Canada (PACCC), a national entry to practice certification examination which upon successful completion awards the Canadian Certified Physician Assistant (CCPA) designation.  As well they provide an electronic tracking of Continuing Professional Development (CPD), which is required to maintain the CCPA designation. Our scope of practice mirrors that of our supervising physicians and is built on trust, and mutual respect. We support one national educational accreditation standard through the CMA Conjoint Accreditation Services, and the entry to practice requirements of the National Competency Profile (NCP).

In the fiscal reality of today’s economy, the PA model is more pertinent than ever. We can help to bring quality health care to all Canadians and make a positive difference in patients’ lives.

Welcome to our profession!

Tim Ralph, MPAS, CCPA

National President

CAPA-ACAM