Are Hospitalist Physician Assistants the Answer to Shortages?

Benefits of hospitalist PA training

The Mayo program also touts advantages, such as a shorter learning curve.

"After one year of our program training, the PA functions at the level of someone who would have been working, learning on the job, at the three- or four-year mark. Essentially, more time and investment upfront makes them better, effective healthcare providers at the end, in a shorter time period," Will said.

No only do the Mayo PAs advance faster, they are more likely to stick around and take on more leadership roles, said Will about the retention and committee work that in which PAs participate.

A worthwhile investment

For hospital administrators who may be wondering if this PA program would work in their own institution, the Mayo PA program could be replicated in other institutions.

"This simple, yet diverse and comprehensive curriculum could definitely be implemented in any type, community hospital, large academic institutions. It's a relatively inexpensive type of program to run. The curriculum could be easily implanted in any type of medical system," she said.

In addition, hospital medicine nonphysician training could expand to nurse practitioners. "It's a good return on investment from a business standpoint," Will said.

Karen M. Cheung is an associate editor for HCPro, contributing writer for HealthLeaders Media, and blogger for HospitalistLeadership.com. She can be contacted at kcheung@hcpro.com.