We were honoured to be invited to the annual BAPIO Conference, “Fit for the Future”, held in London at the end of November. Professor Indranil Chakravorty, Chair of the BAPIO Institute for Health Research, Consultant in Acute & Respiratory Medicine at St George’s University Hospital, and Director of Medical Education, invited CMAPs to speak on the regulation of Medical Associate Professionals (MAPs) and to take part in a high-profile panel discussion exploring what can be learned from our collective experience.
CMAPs was proudly represented by Alice, President of the Office of the PAs; Pauline, CMAPs Co-Registrar; and Sophie, Student and Graduate Liaison Officer, who also works closely with Professor Chakravorty. Together, they ensured that the voice of Associates was heard clearly and confidently throughout the conference.
A Powerful Opening
The conference began bright and early on Friday 28 November, near Heathrow. The opening ceremony was led by Dr Metta, who performed the ceremonial lighting of the lamp to the BAPIO theme song – a catchy and moving piece that beautifully reflects the ethos and history of the organisation.
Sir Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England and former NHS National Director, delivered a compelling talk on health inequalities in the UK and shared insights into the review of resident doctor training. An engaging and thoughtful speaker, it was remarkable to share a stage with someone who became such a familiar presence during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Associates Through History and the Present Day
Next, Professor Sheona MacLeod, Director of Education & Training at NHS England, spoke about Associates through the lens of Suśruta, the Hindu “Father of Surgery”, emphasising the importance of trained medical attendants who are autonomous, skilled professionals working alongside physicians to deliver patient care. Her reflections resonated strongly with the audience and were met with nods of agreement.
“A physician who enters upon treatment without attendants, instruments, and medicines is like a warrior who goes to battle unarmed.”
A Turning Point for Dialogue
Alice then took to the stage. What we anticipated might be a challenging session instead became a warm, respectful, and genuinely inquisitive conversation about the value that Physician and Anaesthesia Associates bring to patient care and multidisciplinary teams.
Senior leaders from NHS England, the GMC, and across the wider clinical community spoke positively about MAPs, often expressing surprise at the contrast between the open, constructive dialogue in the room and some of the negative narratives seen online.
There was broad recognition that tensions in recent years have arisen from rapid workforce change and delays to regulation from governmental factors and that our future lies in professionalism, collaboration, and patient-centred team care. After several challenging years for our profession, the response was supportive, restorative, and hopeful. It was a powerful reminder that there is strong appetite across the system to work together to build a sustainable future for Associates within the NHS.
Several individuals stood up to share their own positive experiences of working with PAs, offering public support and voicing dismay at the treatment our profession has faced. It was an incredibly affirming moment.
Panel Discussion and Overwhelming Support
Following this, Pauline and Sophie joined representatives from NHS England and the GMC on stage for a panel discussion. The questions were thoughtful and probing yet consistently focused on how Associates add value and how the system can best support us.
Relieved and energised by how well the session had gone, we spent the rest of the morning networking. Alice, Pauline, and Sophie were frequently stopped while crossing the hall for a cup of tea by delegates eager to talk about Associates and explore ways they could support us. The level of interest and goodwill was truly remarkable.
Learning, Reflection, and Celebration
The remainder of the conference flowed brilliantly. We met inspiring PA students from St George’s, who were volunteering with BAPIO and presenting academic posters. Sessions on AI in healthcare, leadership for women, and tackling racism in the NHS were particularly impactful.
Hearing delegates share lived experiences of racism within the NHS was deeply disturbing and challenging to process. Each of us left with clear actions on how to be more effective bystanders and actively anti-racist colleagues in our own workplaces.
After time to rest and recharge, we joined delegates for the BAPIO Gala Dinner, an evening of well-deserved awards, delicious food, and a packed dancefloor. We spoke with RCGP President Sir Sam Everington about rebuilding relationships and forging a collaborative future, and caught up with RCP President Dr Mumtaz Patel, sharing just how far CMAPs has come since our last conversation. Sir Steve Powis, former National Medical Director at NHSE gave us some time to share our perspectives on the difficulties Associates have faced, and being able to speak to individuals of such experience and influence was very worthwhile.
Looking Ahead
Overall, the weekend left us feeling positive, proud to be Physician Associates, and reminded of what it feels like to be welcomed and valued by the medical community. Long may this continue.
We are deeply grateful to BAPIO for the invitation and are proud to have represented CMAPs and its members at such an important and inspiring event. We look forward to working together again in the future.
