Hello From the Other Side: The Path from International to Canadian Physician Assistant Practice
November 8, 2025 from 9:30am MDT to 10:20am MDT
Canada has 1,000 international physician assistants practicing in the country, most of whom were trained at American Institutions. Despite location proximity and similarities in education, scope of practice varies between Canadian and International regulatory standards for prescriptive authority, procedural skills, and scope of practice may vary.
As a Canadian National who completed all Post –graduate education in the United States and has practiced as a Physician Assistant in the United States, I have always been intrigued on the similarities and differences between Physician Assistant practice between Canada and The United States. I detail the process of licensure in the United States, discuss scope of practice for my current role as a Cardiac Surgery Physician Assistant, and how other international programs utilize Physician Assistants in general and subspecialty practice. I will also discuss the steps for an US trained Physician Assistant to become Board Certified within the Canadian system.
Finally, I will discuss the future of international Physician Assistant growth opportunities in Canada, and how the Canadian Health System can grow and diversify Physician Assistant scope of practice. There are significant opportunities for expansion and collaboration of the role of the Physician Assistant career across both Canada and United States given similarities with training structure and advocacy.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to:
- Discuss the history of the Physician Assistant role in Canada, the United States, and other international countries with a large PA presence.
- Review the steps to certify as a Canadian Physician Assistant and the pathway for an International PA to earn Canadian PA-C designation.
- Explore similarities, differences, and advocacy of scope of practice of physician Assistants within Canada, the United States, and other countries.
- Identify opportunities for collaboration and growth with International trained Physician Assistants to help build and expand Canadian Physician Assistant Practice.
Speakers / Panelists
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Hello From the Other Side: The Path from International to Canadian Physician Assistant Practice
November 8, 2025 from 9:30am MDT to 10:20am MDT
Kelly Watson
MS PA-C, MBA
Kelly Watson
Kelly Watson is a Board-Certified Physician Assistant. She graduated from Central Michigan University in 2010 and was the first Canadian citizen to graduate from the program. She has worked in several large American Academic Institutions as a Surgical Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant. She is currently practices at Cedars Sinai Health System in Las Angeles, CA. Kelly is also involved in the Association of Physician Assistants in Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery currently serving as Treasurer on the Executive Board.