Discussion-based approach improves competency in pediatric emergency medicine for newly certified physician assistants, suggesting enhanced educational strategies are needed.
According to the National Commission on Certifications of Physician Assistants, approximately 1.8% of physician assistants (PAs) work in general pediatrics. In addition, PAs work in varying pediatric subspecialties, such as cardiology, neonatology, and emergency medicine. Each of these subspecialties accounts for less than 0.1% to 0.4% of practicing PAs. Currently, 0.3% of PAs work in pediatric emergency medicine (PEM). Given the specialization of PEM, as well as other pediatric subspecialities, additional postgraduate education is essential to support PA competency and self-efficacy. Educational approaches may range from self-directed learning, case-based discussions, lectures, workshops, and other strategies. At Children's National Hospital in Washington, DC, our Advanced Practice Provider education team implemented discussion-based sessions tailored to the interests and needs of recently hired and newly certified PAs.
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Oehlerich et al. (2025) studied this question.
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