Physician Assistant Studentsʼ Attitudes Toward International Experiences

Abstract

Purpose: This study assesses physician assistant (PA) students’ interest in international experiences. A white paper from the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA), formerly the Association of Physician Assistant Programs (APAP), “A Report on the Findings of the Ad Hoc Committee on International Physician Assistant Education,” recommends that the profession “explore the motivation for students’ international experiences.” In partial fulfillment of that objective, we examined the association between first-year PA students’ attitudes toward international experiences and student demographic characteristics, type of PA school attended, and prior student experiences. Methods: A convenience sample of 12 PA programs (one public and one private school in each of six US geographical regions) received surveys to distribute to their first-year students. Eleven programs returned 482 completed surveys. Results: A sizable majority of the students, 59.8%, indicated interest in international rotations. PA students with prior health care experience or prior international experience as a volunteer in missions work (faith-based or secular), or studying abroad were more likely to show interest in international rotations. Student interest in other languages and cultures, single marital status, and lack of dependents also correlates positively with increased interest in international experiences. Student self-perception of spirituality, valuing the humanitarian mission of the PA profession, and prior international military experience do not correlate with interest in international rotations. Conclusions: PA students’ interest in and participation in international rotations may affect the rapidly evolving globalization of the PA professional model.