Physician Assistant Outlook In Canada Vs. Us

[Herbert]

Hi guys, I'm sure this has probably been beaten to death in the forums and I've tried to do a mini search to find some answers. After doing a lot of research on what it means to be a physician assistant, it seems that there is a discrepancy between being a PA in Canada, specifically Ontario vs. USA/Manitoba in regards to autonomy and regulation. What I mean, is that a PA in the USA/Manitoba seems to have much more autonomy compared to one in Ontario. Despite this, I am sure some PA working in Ontario do have a lot of autonomy, but this seems to be determined by their supervisor. For those who are working PA's in Ontario, do you mind responding with some anecdotal experiences of what it's been like to be a PA under a supervising physician; do you feel that you can take care of any case given to you, or does it have to be watched by your supervisor? 

 

In addition, I know the starting salary 75K for a PA; however, I'm more concerned with the salary wall. In the States, I know PA's can reach up to 150k. In Canada, I am unsure if this is possible. More specifically, is a PA's salary determined by their specialty? For instance, will a PA working in a surgery specially be payed more than working in a family medical clinic, or in the ER? Any responses towards what the salary wall is for a PA in Ontario would be much appreciated.

 

I appreciate any feedback regarding my post. The profession seems to be growing rapidly and at times seems too good to be true given that it only requires a 2 year masters (low opportunity cost compared to an MD). 

 

Thank you. 

 

[sprite]

Not a PA, but was considering the career if med school didnt work out.

I can't answer your first question but I suggest visiting the physician assistant forum and searching for PAstudentcanada. That individual gives an insight into what it is like being a PA. 

 

They don't really seem overly happy by the posts I have seen. 

 

With regards to salary I do believe it varies. 

 

Edit: 

There is also an individual on this board that loves his job and im sure he will help answer your questions!

[PAstudent]

1Hi guys, I'm sure this has probably been beaten to death in the forums and I've tried to do a mini search to find some answers. After doing a lot of research on what it means to be a physician assistant, it seems that there is a discrepancy between being a PA in Canada, specifically Ontario vs. USA/Manitoba in regards to autonomy and regulation. What I mean, is that a PA in the USA/Manitoba seems to have much more autonomy compared to one in Ontario. Despite this, I am sure some PA working in Ontario do have a lot of autonomy, but this seems to be determined by their supervisor. For those who are working PA's in Ontario, do you mind responding with some anecdotal experiences of what it's been like to be a PA under a supervising physician; do you feel that you can take care of any case given to you, or does it have to be watched by your supervisor? 

 

In addition, I know the starting salary 75K for a PA; however, I'm more concerned with the salary wall. In the States, I know PA's can reach up to 150k. In Canada, I am unsure if this is possible. More specifically, is a PA's salary determined by their specialty? For instance, will a PA working in a surgery specially be payed more than working in a family medical clinic, or in the ER? Any responses towards what the salary wall is for a PA in Ontario would be much appreciated.

 

I appreciate any feedback regarding my post. The profession seems to be growing rapidly and at times seems too good to be true given that it only requires a 2 year masters (low opportunity cost compared to an MD). 

 

Thank you. 

 

1) There is no clinician, no matter what their training or qualifications, that can handle, by themselves "any case given to you."  That's why there are multiple specialists and sub-specialists. 2) there are PAs in Canada making more than 150k just as there are in the USA; these are the exceptions, not the rule. That said, as a new grad PA I did make 6 figures right off the bat 3) There are no rules/laws/standards really for PA salaries in Canada, they are dynamic and developing 4) Become a PA if you love medicine and are comfortable not being the boss and being limited in opportunities compared to being an MD. Remember that being an MD is the terminal degree in medicine and while being a PA is a close 2nd it is not the same. If you want to be a physician; become a physician. If you want to be a PA, become one.

[futureGP]

Not a PA but as a medstudent having worked with a few.

 

Autonomy probably depends on the supervisor and the trust you built with'em. I know a PA at a family health centre who books his own patients but are technically patients of the family MD he works for. Once in a while he asks the family MD a question but otherwise pretty independent (chronic disease management in a family MD setting isn't that intellectually challenging, it can become pretty routine). But he's been there for a few years and he's close with all the docs working at that clinic and they trust that he won't do some stupid crap.

 

Likewise, I imagine the guy who is getting paid $150k is probably billing a whole lot more for him to be paid that much, likewise a $75k PA is probably getting a hang of the practice, not as efficient and isn't able to bill that much for him to be worth getting paid $150k. I guess what I'm saying is still a lot of speculation cuz I never really asked any of the PAs how much they're getting paid.

 

I think PA is still fairly new in Ontario, and idk how the profession will do after the huge cuts in healthcare budget proposed by the government of ontario. I think a lot of PAs that are working right now were hired because of a lot of financial incentives provided by the government to family health care teams and whatnot to hire them. 

 

With the economic outlook, idk how long those incentives will last (not sure if they still exist), which isn't a good news. But then again every field is suffering from the current economy, medicine included.

 

Anyways, not saying I'm correct in anyway but just some discussion points I could think of and lots of speculations

[PAstudent]

That's pretty spot-on.

 

 

Not a PA but as a medstudent having worked with a few.

 

Autonomy probably depends on the supervisor and the trust you built with'em. I know a PA at a family health centre who books his own patients but are technically patients of the family MD he works for. Once in a while he asks the family MD a question but otherwise pretty independent (chronic disease management in a family MD setting isn't that intellectually challenging, it can become pretty routine). But he's been there for a few years and he's close with all the docs working at that clinic and they trust that he won't do some stupid crap.

 

Likewise, I imagine the guy who is getting paid $150k is probably billing a whole lot more for him to be paid that much, likewise a $75k PA is probably getting a hang of the practice, not as efficient and isn't able to bill that much for him to be worth getting paid $150k. I guess what I'm saying is still a lot of speculation cuz I never really asked any of the PAs how much they're getting paid.

 

I think PA is still fairly new in Ontario, and idk how the profession will do after the huge cuts in healthcare budget proposed by the government of ontario. I think a lot of PAs that are working right now were hired because of a lot of financial incentives provided by the government to family health care teams and whatnot to hire them. 

 

With the economic outlook, idk how long those incentives will last (not sure if they still exist), which isn't a good news. But then again every field is suffering from the current economy, medicine included.

 

Anyways, not saying I'm correct in anyway but just some discussion points I could think of and lots of speculations

[healthstudent15]

PAstudent, could you further comment on what futureGP stated in regards to budget cuts & incentives? If they are indeed being reduced, what steps are being taken to keep PA job prospects from falling? Also, have you heard of any news on regulation anytime soon?

Thanks!

[PAstudent]

There is not likely to be any regulation in the next few years.

PAstudent, could you further comment on what futureGP stated in regards to budget cuts & incentives? If they are indeed being reduced, what steps are being taken to keep PA job prospects from falling? Also, have you heard of any news on regulation anytime soon?

Thanks!

[healthstudent15]

There is not likely to be any regulation in the next few years.

Ahh, I appreciate your honesty! Hopefully it all works out sooner rather than later.

[BettyBaldwin]

Hi guys, I'm sure this has probably been beaten to death in the forums and I've tried to do a mini search to find some answers. After doing a lot of research on what it means to be a physician assistant, it seems that there is a discrepancy between being a PA in Canada, specifically Ontario vs. USA/Manitoba in regards to autonomy and regulation. What I mean, is that a PA in the USA/Manitoba seems to have much more autonomy compared to one in Ontario. Despite this, I am sure some PA working in Ontario do have a lot of autonomy, but this seems to be determined by their supervisor. For those who are working PA's in Ontario, do you mind responding with some anecdotal experiences of what it's been like to be a PA under a supervising physician; do you feel that you can take care of any case given to you, or does it have to be watched by your supervisor? 

 

In addition, I know the starting salary 75K for a PA; however, I'm more concerned with the salary wall. In the States, I know PA's can reach up to 150k. In Canada, I am unsure if this is possible. More specifically, is a PA's salary determined by their specialty? For instance, will a PA working in a surgery specially be payed more than working in a family medical clinic, or in the ER? Any responses towards what the salary wall is for a PA in Ontario would be much appreciated.

 

I appreciate any feedback regarding my post. The profession seems to be growing rapidly and at times seems too good to be true given that it only requires a 2 year masters (low opportunity cost compared to an MD). 

 

Thank you. 

 

 

Every firm has its own amendments abiding the certain basic rules to be followed by all. And the fact that any of the streams in physician employment like physician assistant, laboratory attendant other many such fields have a growing career in the coming years. To choose between the employment in Ontario or Manitoba how much will you be able to save after fulfilling the basic necessities. Do the calculation and proceed.  A PA's salary determined by many factors.  You can find a fairly large range and spectrum of compensation both in Canada as well as in the States.  As suggested in this thread by PA student, you can certainly find exceptions of PAs making over 150k, but this isn't the norm.  There are always exceptions, there's not one set rule of compensation.  I have peers that made 6 figures right as they started work following their grad school, but I also know people that made less than that.  I think becoming a PA is similar to most other professions, become a PA if it's your passion/interest, money will follow.  If you like what you're doing and are good at it, the compensation/pay will potentially be very rewarding.  Consider the options between PA and MD and other options and go with what you feel comfortable doing as your daily and long-term profession.

[TrueMan]

Hi, I am a PA.  The starting salary for new grads are 75K but its if you got 46.000 in funding from the ministry for the first year otherwise its  up to you to find a job which almost impossible. If you were able to convince someone to hire you then most likely you will be payed fee for service which goes 30% billing per patient. So my colleagues make approximately 60 K per year.  The ministry doesn't support PA  profession in Canada at this time due to the lack of $$$. Most of the jobs are contract, part time and up north. The competition for one job is enormous , up to 280 applicant per position. Go on HFO Physician Assistant and see how many jobs posted there, at this time only one lol.  So much misinformation out there! Don't waste your time on becoming a PA, go to med school or pick something else within the medical field. Personally I regret sooo much wasting 2 years of my life and money on this useless degree.