Student profile - Teresa Dowsing

Physician Associate PGDip, full-time 

What drew me to the Birmingham course was the integrated nature of the clinical learning with placements in hospitals and general practice.

Why did you decide to study this programme at the University of Birmingham?

Following my degree in Biochemistry I became an administrator in Medical Schools across the UK. After ten years I decided that I wanted to change direction and wanted to pursue a career in the NHS. Whilst working as a healthcare support worker for two years I started researching opportunities available to me and came across the Physician Associate programme. What drew me to the Birmingham course was the integrated nature of the clinical learning with placements in hospitals and general practice.

What have you been doing since you graduated from the programme? 

I graduated in December 2010 from the University of Birmingham and have been working as a Physician Associate in Geriatrics for the last two and a half years. I really enjoy my role as a PA, especially the flexibility and variety in the work the role lends itself to. No two days are the same!

I guess my previous jobs in administration in particular weren’t always as exciting as being a PA but they have given me some useful skills which help me in meeting the needs and challenges of the role, including good communication, interpersonal, negotiation and organisational skills.

You have a real passion for the role, tell us about the UK Association of Physician Associates.

As well as working as a full-time PA I am also President of the UK Association of Physician Associates (UKAPA) and I proud to represent our profession. I am passionate about the PA profession and want to continue to take it forward and support current and future PAs, employers, educators and patients.