Physician Assistance – Perspectives and Boundaries for International Mobility

• Prof. Dr. Nabeel Farhan, Ph.D., German University Association Physician Assistant/European University of Applied Sciences
• Prof. Dr. Peter Heistermann, German University Association Physician Assistant/Fliedner University of Applied Sciences
• Dr. Katharina Larisch, Ph.D., MD, European University of Applied Sciences

Abstract

Physician Assistance is a global job description under different names, but with comparable training content and areas of activity in the medical sector. Nevertheless, there are different educational and qualification paths internationally. These make mobility for students and graduates extremely difficult. Internationally agreed training guidelines do not exist, so that so far only individual interinstitutional agreements can be made. A few at the Fliedner University of Applied Sciences in Düsseldorf should be named as examples.

There is an Inter-Institutional Agreement of the Swiss European Mobility Program (SEMP) on the exchange of students in the Physician Assistance (PA) department. In addition, we check whether individual modules from the Swiss Master of Advanced Studies in Physician Associate Skills (60 ECTS) are comparable with modules from our Master Physician Assistant and whether modules would also fit the Bachelor's degree.

An Erasmus + inter-institutional agreement is currently being prepared with the Hogeschool van Arnhem en Nijmegen, NL. The agreement will cover the entire ISCED subject area 09 health and social affairs. At the bachelor level, mobility between the courses Medische Hulpverlening and Physician Assistance (B.Sc.) is prepared.

The participation of Physician Assistance (B.Sc.) students in the Blended AIM project is currently being examined. The following are involved: Uni Siegen, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, University of Maribor, Luca School of Arts Ghent, AP Hogeschool Antwerp, Odissee Hogeschool, Belgium, Hellenic mediterranian University (Greece), Universidade de Maia - ISMAI.

Recognition is necessary for international healthcare professionals if they want to practice in Germany in a regulated profession. However, recognition is not required for non-regulated professions such as „physician assistant“, but it is useful. It is an advantage when applying for a job, when changing job or when negotiating salaries. Furthermore, the recognition notice in German enables employers to immediately identify the skills and knowledge of international healthcare professionals.

This contribution will discuss the different procedures for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications and higher education qualifications in Germany.

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