Specialization Training Programs for Physician Assistants: Symbolic Violence in the Medical Field?

Hlavin, J.; Callahan, J.L.

Abstract

Postgraduate physician assistant (PA) programs designed to train individuals for the workplace have existed since the advent of the profession itself. These residency programs continue to grow in number despite the lack of outcome data supporting improvements in PA learning, effects on career development, or improved patient care. Leadership bodies of the PA profession in the US have been at odds regarding the meaning and ramification of postgraduate programs on specialty credentialing, accreditation standards, insurance reimbursement, and employment. Using Bourdieu’s cultural conflict theory as a framework, we analyze the issues confronting postgraduate PA training programs. Our paper discusses implications related to shifts in power amongst the different stakeholders concluding that, although formal postgraduate PA training can be beneficial to both the PA and the medicine, considerations related to underlying agendas need attention.

Citation

Hlavin, J., & Callahan, J. (2013). Specialization Training Programs for Physician Assistants: Symbolic Violence in the Medical Field?. Health Sociology Review, 22(2), 200-209. https://doi.org/10.5172/hesr.2013.22.2.200

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Dec 29, 2012
• Online Publication Date: Dec 17, 2014
• Publication Date: 2013
• Deposit Date: Oct 19, 2021
• Journal: Health Sociology Review
• Print ISSN: 1446-1242
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis Group
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 22
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 200-209
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.5172/hesr.2013.22.2.200
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1229443