Metrics of assessments evaluating Physician Assistant performance and utilization in Canadian health care systems
November 8, 2025 from 1:30pm MDT to 2:20pm MDT
We completed a scoping review project for Dalhousie's Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program. Our two-part research question focused on identifying assessment metrics used to evaluate PA performance in their current roles and utilization in Canada, as well as examine the evaluations garnered by those assessment measures. We aimed to highlight associations between performance evaluation and current role utilization to inform future areas of study, leveraging metrics of assessment to support potential progression and evolution of the profession and its contributions to Canada’s health care system as a whole. We followed the Joanna Briggs Methodology for Scoping Reviews (Peters et al., 2020) and reported our findings following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines (Page et al., 2021). We performed searches of Ovid Medline, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases on 25th July, 2024, for publications including primary and secondary research designs, with no date restrictions. Publications must have included physician assistants (e.g., physician associates, physician extenders, etc.) in Canadian health care systems and must have discussed the actual utilization or contributions of PAs, as well as described metrics of assessments used to evaluate PA performance. Our search strategy yielded 13,274 publications, of which 15 met eligibility criteria. We used Covidence for screening and data extraction (Covidence, 2024). All publications included PAs, a description of metrics used to assess their performance, as well as pertinent results. We did not conduct a detailed risk of bias assessment. Melnyk and Fineout-Overholt ratings varied from III to VI, indicating moderate to low levels of evidence regarding PA utilization and measures of assessment used to evaluate PA performance. Results and discussion of PA performance evaluation and thematic analysis of metrics of assessment are pending.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to:
- Review assessment metrics of PA performance and utilization.
- Discuss how PAs perform in Canadian health care systems
- Identify and analyze areas of Canada's health care systems with similar roles that PAs may support
Speakers / Panelists
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Metrics of assessments evaluating Physician Assistant performance and utilization in Canadian health care systems
November 8, 2025 from 1:30pm MDT to 2:20pm MDT -
Metrics of assessments evaluating Physician Assistant performance and utilization in Canadian health care systems
November 8, 2025 from 1:30pm MDT to 2:20pm MDT -
Metrics of assessments evaluating Physician Assistant performance and utilization in Canadian health care systems
November 8, 2025 from 1:30pm MDT to 2:20pm MDT -
Metrics of assessments evaluating Physician Assistant performance and utilization in Canadian health care systems
November 8, 2025 from 1:30pm MDT to 2:20pm MDT
Jennifer Barth
Jennifer Barth
Jennifer Barth is a 2nd year-student from the inaugural 2026 cohort in Dalhousie University’s Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She completed her Bachelor of Science (Hnrs) with a major in Paramedicine in from the University of Prince Edward Island in 2021. Following graduation, Jennifer published her Honour’s research project, focused on adverse health effects of shift work scheduling patterns in emergency medical services personnel.
Jennifer is currently living and working as an Advanced Care Paramedic in New Brunswick while completing her Masters, traveling between the two provinces. Her 16-year career out-of-hospital emergency and acute care settings as well as strong interest in wilderness and rural / remote medicine supports a varied career pathway. She previously worked in British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba prior to returning to academic life.
In addition to clinical practice and teaching roles, Jennifer participates in research opportunities, supporting ongoing research projects. She enjoys teaching in the clinical environment and is a strong advocate for continuing education opportunities and academic and professional advancement. She currently serves as her program’s representative on the MPAS Student Affairs Committee.
Beyond her academic and professional life, she spends much of her free time climbing and mountaineering. She also works and trains with Schutzhund dogs when not traveling or working outdoors. She is excited to see where her new career role opportunities may take her.
Madi Sutton
Madi Sutton
Madi Sutton is a dedicated second-year physician assistant student set to graduate in December 2025. Originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia, she completed her Bachelor of Nursing at Dalhousie University in 2019. Her experiences as a registered nurse in surgery, hematological oncology, and paediatrics fostered a deep passion for patient care and medical practice. This ultimately inspired her to pursue further education through the Dalhousie Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program to increase her knowledge and scope within the medical field.
Upon graduation, Madi hopes to begin practice straight away, with a special interest in the field of plastic surgery. She is committed to continuously growing her knowledge & expertise while also advocating for the expanded utilization of Physician Assistants in Nova Scotia. A key goal is to help increase patient comfort and confidence in PA-provided care, especially among those unfamiliar with the role.
In addition to her studies and prior work experience, Madi Sutton continues to demonstrate her commitment to health and patient advocacy by volunteering for local organizations such as the IWK Foundation and the Nova Scotia Mental Health Foundation, as well as serving on the Youth Council for the Mental Health Commission of Canada.
Beyond her professional life, Madi is an avid traveller, enjoys outdoor activities such as yoga and paddle boarding, & spends downtime with her two ragdoll cats.
Yahans K. De-Heer
Yahans K. De-Heer
Yahans received his Bachelor of Science degree in Diagnostic Radiography at the university of Ghana in 2007 and worked in various clinical, administrative and teaching roles afterwards. Yahans, also had a brief engagement with the Health Systems strengthening program in Sierra Leone, post-Ebola as part of a dedicated team to develop and execute programs aimed at rejuvenating certain aspects of the country’s health sector.
Yahans is currently enrolled in the Dalhousie University’s Master of Physician Assistant Studies program (MPAS) 2026 as part of the first cohort, with an aim to transition into primary care of something more exciting upon completion.
Beyond his professional and academic life, Yahans brings a deep commitment to community and supportive networking. He loves gardening but when the season doesn’t permit, he is committing to various sustainable and empowering entrepreneurial ventures that meet practical needs.
Avery Maynard
Avery Maynard
Avery Maynard is a dedicated second-year Physician Assistant student in the Dalhousie University Master of Physician Assistant Studies program. Originally from New Brunswick, Avery completed a Master of Public Health at Glasgow Caledonian University before pursuing Physician Assistant (PA) training. Their early career included work as a public health practitioner in Scotland and as a research and policy analyst in Canada, where experiences in health promotion and population-level health sparked a strong interest in community health, and chronic disease management.
Upon graduation in 2026, Avery plans to practice in both primary care and emergency medicine. They are also deeply committed to advancing the PA profession in Atlantic Canada and aspire to contribute to PA education and mentorship in the future.
Avery’s leadership experience includes serving as first-year Vice President for the MPAS Class of 2026 and contributing to national health initiatives through work with the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Beyond academics and professional commitments, Avery enjoys traveling, swimming, kayaking, hiking, and painting. They live in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, with their partner and two beloved pugs.