At the heart of ISPA lies a dynamic tapestry of committees, each playing a vital role in shaping the future of our profession. These committees serve as the backbone of our organisation, driving initiatives, fostering innovation, and amplifying the voice of physician associates across Ireland
As the cornerstone of ISPA, the Board of Directors oversees the governance and strategic direction of the association. Meet the dedicated professionals guiding ISPA’s mission and vision.
The Advocacy Committee works tirelessly to champion the recognition of physician associates in Irish healthcare. By collaborating with policy makers and the wider community, this committee actively contributes to the growth and empowerment of our profession. This committee actively seeks passionate individuals to fill key roles and contribute to advocacy efforts
The Communications Committee focuses on enhancing communication strategies to keep our members informed, engaged, and connected. From crafting newsletters to managing social media, this committee aims to keep members of ISPA updated on the latest developments, events, opportunities and build on public relations.
Keep an eye out on our social media channels for the latest updates!
As we navigate the dynamic landscape of healthcare, it is paramount to underscore the pivotal role that research plays in advancing the PA profession. The ISPA Research Committee stands as a beacon, steering us
towards evidence-based practice, highlighting the impactful contributions of PAs in healthcare.
Research serves as a cornerstone for validating and showcasing the multifaceted impact of PAs within the Irish healthcare system. The past eight years have borne witness to the exceptional work of PAs, and through rigorous research initiatives, we aim not only to document this journey but also to provide irrefutable evidence of the positive influence PAs wield in patient care and healthcare outcomes.
The importance of research goes beyond mere documentation; it is a powerful tool to articulate the invaluable contributions of Physician Associates. It is a means to demonstrate the expertise, dedication, and positive outcomes that PAs have consistently delivered since their integration into the Irish healthcare system. This evidence is crucial for fostering a deeper understanding within the HSE and regulatory bodies, highlighting the indispensable role PAs play in the Irish healthcare landscape.
We strongly encourage all members to actively engage in research within their respective fields. If you are passionate about contributing to research initiatives and wish to get involved, we invite you to consider joining the Research Committee. Your participation will play a vital role in advancing the impact and understanding of the physician associate profession.
Were thrilled to introduce the newly formed Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Workgroup, a dedicated team committed to shaping the future of our professional growth and education. As the landscape of healthcare evolves, so too must our knowledge and skills. The CPD Workgroup is at the forefront, spearheading initiatives to provide you with innovative and impactful learning opportunities.
This year we are pleased to announce a significant milestone: following continuous engagement and discussion with the RCSI Surgical Affairs Department they have committed to supporting ISPA MVR members in meeting our CPD requirements and offer a diverse array of surgical and medical courses which are now open to NCHD trainees and Physician Associate graduates. This represents a substantial stride in advancing the professional growth of our graduates and fostering inclusivity among our NCHD colleagues
In our commitment to advancing the physician associate profession, we are excited to announce our new Career Progression Workgroup. This workgroup is dedicated to enhance and shape career progression opportunities for all Physician Associates.
Focused on creating clear and innovative career pathways, the Workgroup is looking to explore and implement initiatives that will enable Physician Associates to chart a course for professional growth. This includes identifying training opportunities, skill development programs, and pathways for leadership roles.
A robust career progression framework not only benefits individual members but also strengthens the entire ISPA community. As our members advance in their careers, their experiences and knowledge enrich the broader healthcare landscape.
Recognition of diversity within our membership will play a pivotal role, the Workgroup will adopt a collaborative approach. By actively seeking input from members, they hope to ensure that career progression initiatives are inclusive, addressing the unique needs and aspirations of individuals across various specialties and career stages.
If you are passionate about your professional journey and eager to contribute to the growth and recognition of Physician Associates, we invite you to join the Career Progression Workgroup. Your participation will be instrumental in designing and implementing initiatives that will benefit the entire ISPA community.
Over the past year, the Conference workgroup has been diligently engaged in the meticulous planning of the inaugural annual conference, “ImPAct in Healthcare 2023, which took place for the first time this October 7th, coinciding with PA Week, the conference marked a significant milestone in the history of our society. The unwavering commitment and hard work of the Conference workgroup were pivotal in orchestrating an event that not only met but surpassed our expectations. It is with great pleasure that we express our sincere appreciation to the dedicated members of the Conference Committee for their exceptional efforts, which culminated in the remarkable success of our very first conference. As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to building on the success of the inaugural conference and creating more opportunities for collaboration, learning, and growth within the physician associate profession in the forthcoming year.
The Exam Committee diligently manages the assessment process with precision and dedication. Demonstrating an unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards, this comittee plays a crucial role in ensuring excellence within the PA profession. The IPANE committee has undertaken preparations in anticipation of the upcoming IPANE exam on the 27th of January. We express our gratitude to the committee members for their dedicated efforts and hard work and wishing all participating members success in the forthcoming IPANE exam.
We are excited to reactivate our PA mentorship programme which is designed to support career development through connecting experienced physician associates with those seeking guidance and providing mentorship opportunities within the ISPA community. Students in the RCSI PA studies programme seeking career advice before graduation are encouraged to participate in the Mentorship Programme. Experienced mentors offer valuable insights and support to help navigate the transition into the workforce.
If you are interested in contributing to any of our committees or groups, and would like to share your insights to make a meaningful impact on the development of the PA profession, please reach out to us via email at: contactus@ispaireland.ie. Your involvement is highly valued, and we look forward to hearing from you.