Medical Associate Professionals in the UK

Abstract

Anyone who has any connection with the world of social media will be aware of the ‘storm in a teacup’ that has been brewing in the last few months with Medical Associate / Assistant Professionals (MAPs) in the UK as Parliament debated and swiftly passed legislation1 related to their regulation by the UK General Medical Council. In its supporting statement, the UK Minister for Health2 specified,
 
 ‘Physician associates work under the supervision of doctors taking medical histories, carrying out physical examinations, performing some medical procedures and analysing test results. Anaesthesia associates review patients before surgery, initiate and manage medications, administer fluids and blood therapy during surgery, and ensure there is a plan for patients following their operation. Both roles can work autonomously, but always under the supervision of a fully trained and experienced doctor.’
 The legislation was passed in the UK Parliament in Feb24 and will be in force from Dec’24.
 The British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO) is leading a survey 17and workshop designed to have a 360-degree review of the impact of MAPs on training and career progression for all doctors, including the missing voice of several thousands of doctors who are not in formal training, are locally employed on shorter-term contracts, are considered as speciality doctors by the GMC. A vast proportion of these doctors are international medical graduates, and a significant proportion belong to cohorts who are under-represented in leadership positions (including those that were previously considered from Black or minority ethnic groups). The workshops and focus groups will include representation from all under-represented groups of doctors across the spectrum, patient representatives, nursing, and allied healthcare professionals who form an integral part of the MDT, medical leaders, higher education institutions, NHS workforce Training and Education and NHS employers. The results of the independently facilitated focus groups and survey results will be published with recommendations for all stakeholders in May 2024, and aim to provide a framework for action, reflecting consultation and views of the whole healthcare profession.