UMAPs Statement on RCGP Physician Associate Survey

On April 22, 2024, the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) sent a survey to its members to collect views and experiences regarding Physician Associates (PAs). United Medical Associate Professionals (UMAPs) recognise the RCGP’s need to better understand the role of PAs in general practice and create effective training and career progression guidelines in line with established frameworks. 

Unfortunately, certain pressure groups—those behind an organised 1.5 yearlong smear campaign against Medical Associate Professionals—are manipulating survey results by instructing their members on how to respond. As part of their ongoing efforts to degrade hard-working MAPs, a doctored version of the well-intentioned survey has been circulating on social media. We hope the RCGP recognises the impact this interference has on their survey results and on professional relationships within the healthcare community. 

PAs have made invaluable contributions to general practice across the UK. However, due to the publication of illegitimate documents on scope and supervision, they are experiencing unjust terminations. Despite these challenges, UMAPs remains committed to inclusivity and collaboration. We look forward to the RCGP’s engagement with PAs, and the organisations that represent them, to ensure their voices are heard. Facilitating constructive dialogue is essential, and we are dedicated to playing a pivotal role in this process.