As a member of the Irish Society of Physician Associates (ISPA), you are part of a society run by fellow PAs that aims to provide professional support to PAs working in Ireland.
The ISPA aims to support both qualified PAs and student in their education, training and continuing professional development. The ISPA also seeks to promote the profile of the PA profession in Ireland, by providing information regarding the profession to the general public, other healthcare professionals and prospective employers.
How to Apply:
To become a member of the ISPA, please complete the application form.
Who can join?
Qualified Physician Associates and RCSI PA students can currently register to join the ISPA. For other types of memberships please email the ISPA Board of Directors at contactus@ispaireland.ie
Why should I join?
Approved membership with the ISPA enables you to join the interim professional body in Ireland for PAs, a society that fosters the profession’s advancement and advocates for regulation. There are a variety of benefits listed below for members of the ISPA.
Managed Voluntary Registry (MVR): Holding an MVR number not only aids in gaining recognition and boosting your professional standing but also ensures adherence to a standard to safeguard patient safety.
Irish Physician Associate National Examination (IPANE):Once you have successfully received your PA qualification, you should register to sit the IPANE, an exam held biannually (Winter and Summer sittings). PAs are required to re-certify every six years.
You must sit the IPANE to obtain a MVR Number; this is not automatically given to graduate members of the society on application. Employers of PAs working in the Irish health care system are advised to request proof of this registration MVR number.
The IPANE has varying eligibility requirements depending on where you received your PA qualification.
Republic of Ireland Graduates (RCSI Graduates)
Eligibility criteria for Graduates from a non-Irish institution (Canada, US and UK only at this time)
*Please note at this time as the profession in not statutory regulated, it is not possible to get a work visa to work as a Physician Associate. Physician Associates at present do not fall under the professions listed within ‘Critical skills’. International Prospective PAs must hold dual citizenship or an EU passport for employment.
Job Opportunities: Employers frequently contact the ISPA to post new and forthcoming PA positions. These job postings are promptly shared with our members via email.
Annual General Meeting (AGM): Participate in the collective decision-making process during our annual meeting, providing you with the opportunity to have your voice heard on matters impacting you and your practice.
Committee and Workgroup Participation: The ISPA hosts several committees and workgroups actively encouraging members to join. These provide professional development opportunities and enable members to demonstrate teamwork and collaborative abilities on their CVs.
Bespoke Physician Associate Courses: Graduate PAs will be informed throughout the year about the revision courses and CPD activities.
Continuing Profession Development (CPD) Courses: The ISPA offers CPD courses to its members, enhancing their skills and knowledge in the field. Additionally, ISPA members have the opportunity to attend CPD courses offered by RCSI, further expanding their professional development opportunities
Updates on the progression of the profession: As an ISPA member you will stay informed of ongoing progress. We strive to update our valued members on any advancements toward regulation regularly and will also share PA community updates through our newsletter.
Join the ISPA today to experience the array of benefits that will empower you to thrive in your Physician Associate journey. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please get in touch with us through our email. We are here to support you every step of the way.
Join ISPA today to experience a comprehensive array of benefits, empowering you to thrive in your Physician Associate journey. For more information, explore the benefits in detail on our Membership page. If you have any question or need further assistance, feel free to contact us. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
The only method of payment currently accepted by the ISPA is Direct Debit. If you are a new member of the ISPA, please contact physicianassociateireland@gmail.com or contactus@ispaireland.ie for further details regarding payment of membership dues.
The ISPA extends a warm welcome to you. Should you wish to join our community as a ‘Friend of the society’, please reach out to a member of our board in our email. Additionally, if you are interested in making a donation to support the ISPA and the progression of the profession in Ireland, you can also contact our treasurer.
Contact ISPA