The College of Medical Associate Professionals warmly welcomes the announcement of an independent review of Physician Associates (PAs) and Anaesthesia Associates (AAs). This long-awaited review is a significant and positive step toward understanding and enhancing the vital contributions MAPs make within multidisciplinary teams across specialties. 

We are particularly pleased to see a direct reference by Mr. Streeting to the toxicity of the current landscape for MAPs. No professional concerns should be ignored, and it is reassuring that this review will consider all viewpoints with the utmost due diligence. 

As Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS National Medical Director, has said, PAs and AAs come to work every day wanting to do their best for patients. This review is an opportunity to acknowledge that dedication while ensuring public confidence in the safe and effective deployment of MAPs within clinical teams. 

Professor Gillian Leng CBE, an experienced healthcare leader, brings extensive expertise to this review. We are confident in her ability to lead a detailed, unbiased, and evidence-based examination of the roles and impact of MAPs. This review presents an invaluable opportunity to demonstrate the efficacy of MAPs when safely deployed and appropriately supervised in multidisciplinary teams. 

For months, PAs and AAs nationwide have been advocating for a fair and impartial assessment of our roles, and today’s announcement is a testament to the value of those efforts. CMAPs is prepared to support members and their supervisors with reviewing their practice and gathering evidence. We look forward to actively contributing to the review and will be ready to provide input when called upon. 

Together, we can build a stronger, more collaborative future for our professions and the patients we serve. 

Your immediate actions 

In our communications last week, we advised of key steps MAPs need to take at this turbulent time.  

We draw your attention to the data collection initiative again today.  

We have launched a rapid-response data collection initiative to demonstrate the impact and value of PAs and AAs. This includes:  

• Patient safety audits , satisfaction surveys  and supervisor case studies  

We urgently need volunteers to develop data collection tools that highlight our contributions and safe working practice.  We want to enable all MAPs to share evidence of their effective deployment for the review by Professor Leng.   

Please contact recruitment@cmaps.org.uk to join this effort. Supervisors and colleagues are also encouraged to participate. 

Now is the time to come together, showcase the strength and value of our profession, and move forward with unity and purpose. 

With best regards as always,  
Alice Fitzpatrick CMAP(PA) 
Acting Co-President
Mobashar Rashid CMAP(PA)
Acting Co-President
Jack Hill CMAP(PA)
Acting Vice President
Pauline Weir CMAP(PA)
Acting Registrar