A relatively new healthcare profession is seeing significant interest in Saskatchewan. 

Thanks to a $7 million investment from the provincial government, the University of Saskatchewan has curated a brand-new Master of Physician Assistant Studies program, or MPAS; the first of its kind in the province. 

Dean of the College of Medicine Dr. Sarah Forgie says PAs are a very valuable asset to have in the healthcare system, especially as family physicians across the country are being run off their feet. 

“There’s many things that the physician assistant can do from checking the labs, to reporting that back to the physician, to doing to the first art of a physical examination with the patient. So really, what it’s doing is extending the care that a physician can provide.”

A physician assistant’s job is to be the extra eyes, ears and hands of a physician, improving patient satisfaction and patient flow. Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill says this program, and others like it, are key to recruiting locally and relieving pressures currently being felt in the healthcare system.

“In two years, we’re going to have 20 MPAS graduates coming out of the University of Saskatchewan. They’ve already been in our hospitals. They’ve seen the opportunities that are here for them in the big city and also in rural communities far and wide across the province.”

One of the 20 accepted MPAS students, Rachel Rosin, says she couldn’t agree more. 

“I have a background as a cardiovascular technologist here on campus at RUH, and I see that there is need in rural communities. This program in particular was super important (to me) that it has an emphasis on the rural aspect.” Born and raised in Saskatoon, Rosin says she doesn’t expect to leave the province following graduation.

Being it a relatively new position in the world of healthcare, there are only about 1000 PAs in the country and just five in Saskatchewan. The cohort, made up of 75 per cent Saskatchewan residents, will graduate in two years’ time. Demand was high for the inaugural program, with over 350 applications sent in. After seeing this, the Province is considering an expansion of the program to permit more than 20 students in future cohorts. 

Those interested in applying to be a part of future cohorts can do so at usask.ca.