David M Latini1, D Shawn Cole, Denni Woodmansee, R Keith Bailey, Krista Berner, Petar Breitinger, Maurita Carrejo, Jason Domagalski, Lurie McAdow, Shelia Palmer, Jerry VanRuiswyk, Debbie Hettler, Kenneth R Jones, Karen Sanders. 1. David M. Latini, PhD, MSW, is the associate director of associated health education for the Office of Academic Affiliations at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Houston, Texas. D. Shawn Cole, DHA, MPAS, PA-C, is the national director of PA residency programs for the Asheville VA Medical Center at the Department of Veterans Affairs in Asheville, North Carolina. Denni Woodmansee, PA-C, is the national director of PA services for the Office of Patient Care Services at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC. R. Keith Bailey, MBBS, PA-C, is the residency director for the Salisbury VA Medical Center at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Salisbury, North Carolina. Krista Berner, PA-C, is the residency directory for the Milwaukee VA Medical Center at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Petar Breitinger, PA-C, is the residency director for the North Florida/Gainesville VA Medical Center at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Gainesville, Florida. Maurita Carrejo, MS, is the health systems specialist for the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Houston, Texas. Jason Domagalski, PA-C, is the residency director for the Sioux Falls VA Medical Center at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Lurie McAdow, PA-C, is the residency director for the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Houston, Texas. Shelia Palmer, MHA, MBA, PA-C, is the residency director for the Atlanta VA Medical Center at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Atlanta, Georgia. Jerry VanRuiswyk, MD, is the associate chief of staff for education for the Milwaukee VA Medical Center at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Debbie Hettler, OD, MPH, is the clinical director of associated health education for the Office of Academic Affiliations at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC. Kenneth R. Jones, PhD, is the director of associated health education for the Office of Academic Affiliations at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC. Karen Sanders, MD, is the deputy chief officer for the Office of Academic Affiliations at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Results from an evaluation of a 12-month postgraduate Veterans Health Administration (VHA) residency in primary care for physician assistants (PAs). METHODS: Descriptive and open-ended data were collected to describe the experience of faculty and trainees participating in the first 3 years of this pilot residency. Quantitative data were summarized using descriptive statistics. Text data were transcribed and reviewed for common themes across residency sites and respondents. Data were collected at 2 time points-the end of the first year and the beginning of year 4. RESULTS: In the first 3 years of the program, 18 residents were enrolled at 6 sites, with 89% completing the residency. At the second time point, 8 more residents were enrolled. Residents were primarily female (69%). Of the residents completing the program, 56% obtained VHA employment, and 75% of the current residents planned to work for the VHA upon completing the program. Program infrastructure, such as written curriculum, a dedicated administrative staff, and written evaluations for trainees, was more common at the second time point. Recurring themes included the importance of establishing relationships with potential applicants, preceptors, medical center leadership, and trainees to support the program and the importance of securing resources such as space and protected time for faculty. CONCLUSIONS: Although postgraduate residency programs are less common for PAs than for some other health professions, our data suggest that a one-year residency can provide training for new graduates to help solidify their clinical experience and facilitate their transition to practice.
PURPOSE: Results from an evaluation of a 12-month postgraduate Veterans Health Administration (VHA) residency in primary care for physician assistants (PAs). METHODS: Descriptive and open-ended data were collected to describe the experience of faculty and trainees participating in the first 3 years of this pilot residency. Quantitative data were summarized using descriptive statistics. Text data were transcribed and reviewed for common themes across residency sites and respondents. Data were collected at 2 time points-the end of the first year and the beginning of year 4. RESULTS: In the first 3 years of the program, 18 residents were enrolled at 6 sites, with 89% completing the residency. At the second time point, 8 more residents were enrolled. Residents were primarily female (69%). Of the residents completing the program, 56% obtained VHA employment, and 75% of the current residents planned to work for the VHA upon completing the program. Program infrastructure, such as written curriculum, a dedicated administrative staff, and written evaluations for trainees, was more common at the second time point. Recurring themes included the importance of establishing relationships with potential applicants, preceptors, medical center leadership, and trainees to support the program and the importance of securing resources such as space and protected time for faculty. CONCLUSIONS: Although postgraduate residency programs are less common for PAs than for some other health professions, our data suggest that a one-year residency can provide training for new graduates to help solidify their clinical experience and facilitate their transition to practice.