Personal Experiences: Life as a Physician Assistant in Nigeria

Introduction

In Nigeria, licensed physicians oversee physician assistants amid challenges like limited resources and care access. Life as a physician assistant offers valuable insights into the healthcare system for both professionals and the population.

A physician assistant (PA) is a skilled medical professional who works under a doctor’s supervision.

Nigeria’s healthcare system faces various challenges, including access to care, resources, and staffing shortages.

This blog chapter explores firsthand insights into the life of a physician assistant within Nigeria’s healthcare context:

• Daily responsibilities and patient interactions.
  
  
• Contribution to healthcare delivery in underserved areas.
  
  
• Navigating challenges and making critical decisions.
  
  
• Collaborating with medical teams and specialists.
  
  
• Balancing medical expertise and patient empathy.

By sharing personal experiences, we shed light on the integral role of physician assistants in Nigeria’s healthcare landscape.

Education and Training to Become a Physician Assistant in Nigeria

Requirements and qualifications

• Completion of a minimum of five credits in the Sciences at O’Level, including English and Mathematics.
  
  
• Obtaining a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as Medical Laboratory Science, Nursing, or Anatomy.
  
  
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  
  
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  
  
• Ability to work well under pressure and handle stressful situations.
  
  
• Passing the Physician Assistant Program (PAP) entrance examination and interview.
  
  
• Meeting the minimum age requirement set by the regulatory body.

Available training programs and institutions

• University of Lagos (UNILAG) – Physician Assistant Program
  
  
• University of Jos – Bachelor of Medical Science (B.M.Sc.) in Physician Assistant Studies
  
  
• University of Benin – Bachelor of Medical Science (B.M.Sc.) in Physician Assistant Studies
  
  
• University of Nigeria, Nsukka – Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Physician Assistant Studies

Duration and curriculum of physician assistant training

• The duration of the Physician Assistant training program in Nigeria is typically four years.
  
  
• The curriculum includes both classroom instruction and clinical rotations in various healthcare settings.
  
  
• Core courses cover anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, medical ethics, and patient assessment.
  
  
• Students also receive hands-on training in diagnostic techniques, medical procedures, and surgical assistance.
  
  
• Clinical rotations provide practical experience in specialties such as internal medicine, pediatrics, and surgery.

Licensing and certification process

• After completing the Physician Assistant training program, graduates must apply for licensure with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
  
  
• Applicants must pass the MDCN licensing examination to become a certified Physician Assistant.
  
  
• Once certified, Physician Assistants can then practice medicine under the supervision of a licensed physician.
  
  
• Continuing medical education and regular license renewal are required to maintain professional competency.
  
  
• Physician Assistants may also choose to pursue additional specialties through postgraduate training programs.

Basically, to become a Physician Assistant in Nigeria, you must meet specific qualifications and complete a four-year training program. Education covers theory and practice, while licensing and certification are required for practice, with ongoing professional development to stay updated

Read: Understanding the Salary Scale for Lab Technicians in Nigeria

Job Duties and Responsibilities of Physician Assistants in Nigeria

In Nigeria, physician assistants play a crucial role in the healthcare system, working closely with physicians and healthcare providers to deliver quality care to patients. They have a wide range of job duties and responsibilities:

Collaborative work with physicians and healthcare providers

• Physician assistants work in close collaboration with physicians and other healthcare providers.
  
  
• They assist in performing medical procedures and surgeries alongside physicians.
  
  
• They participate in team meetings to discuss patient diagnoses, treatments, and progress.

Examination and diagnosis of patients

• Physician assistants are trained to conduct thorough physical examinations of patients.
  
  
• They assess patients’ medical histories, symptoms, and perform diagnostic tests.
  
  
• They work closely with physicians to interpret test results and diagnose medical conditions.

Treatment and prescription authority

• Physician assistants have the authority to provide treatment to patients.
  
  
• Under the supervision of physicians, they prescribe medications and administer treatments.
  
  
• They monitor patients’ progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary.

Administrative tasks and record keeping

• Physician assistants handle various administrative tasks to ensure smooth workflow.
  
  
• They maintain accurate and up-to-date medical records of patients.
  
  
• They document patients’ medical histories, examination findings, and treatment plans.

Patient education and counseling

• Physician assistants educate and counsel patients on their medical conditions and treatment options.
  
  
• They provide information on self-care, preventive measures, and lifestyle modifications.
  
  
• They address patients’ concerns and provide emotional support throughout the healing process.

In a nutshell, in Nigeria, physician assistants perform diverse duties: collaborate with healthcare providers, diagnose, treat, prescribe, manage admin tasks, and counsel patients, contributing to comprehensive healthcare

Read: Regulations Governing Prosthetist Practice in Nigeria

Challenges Faced by Physician Assistants in Nigeria

Lack of recognition and understanding of the physician assistant role

Physician assistants in Nigeria often face the challenge of not being recognized or understood in their role. Many people are unfamiliar with the responsibilities and capabilities of physician assistants, leading to a lack of respect and appreciation for their expertise.

Limited career growth opportunities

Physician assistants in Nigeria often find themselves facing limited career growth opportunities. Advancement and promotion is not always readily available, leading to frustration and a lack of motivation for professional development.

Work overload and long working hours

Work overload and long working hours are common challenges faced by physician assistants in Nigeria. The demand for healthcare services is high, resulting in heavy workloads and extended working hours, which can negatively impact their physical and mental well-being.

Insufficient resources and equipment

Physician assistants often struggle with the challenge of working in healthcare facilities with insufficient resources and equipment. This can hinder their ability to provide optimal care to patients and may compromise patient outcomes.

Language and cultural barriers

In Nigeria, language and cultural barriers affect physician assistants, hindering effective patient communication and quality healthcare delivery.

In the end, Physician assistants in Nigeria encounter challenges impacting their lives, including limited recognition, career growth, resources, and language barriers. Nevertheless, they remain vital contributors to healthcare, caring for patients and the community.

Read: Success Stories of Nigerian Orthotists and Prosthetists

Personal Experiences as a Physician Assistant in Nigeria

Initial motivations for becoming a physician assistant

1. Desire to make a difference in people’s lives and contribute to the healthcare system.


2. Passion for providing quality medical care to underserved communities in Nigeria.


3. Inspiration from witnessing the dedication and expertise of medical professionals.

Personal anecdotes of patient encounters and healthcare situations

1. Assisting in delivering a healthy baby, bringing tears of joy to the parents’ eyes.


2. Treating a young child with a severe allergic reaction, saving their life.


3. Confronting the challenges of providing medical care in remote villages with limited resources.

Emotional and psychological impact of the job

1. Feeling a sense of fulfillment and purpose when patients express gratitude for the care received.


2. Experiencing emotional challenges when unable to save a patient’s life or deliver a negative diagnosis.


3. Managing the stress and pressure that comes with handling critical and urgent medical situations.

Memorable moments, successes, and challenges overcome

1. Overcoming language barriers to communicate with patients from diverse cultural backgrounds.


2. Developing strong relationships with fellow healthcare professionals, fostering teamwork and collaboration.


3. Successfully diagnosing and treating a rare disease, providing relief and hope to the patient and their family.

When all is said and done, working as a physician assistant in Nigeria proved deeply rewarding, fulfilling motivations to make a difference through patient encounters. Emotional impact ranged from fulfillment to coping with challenges, validating my decision to serve the community.

Read: Nigeria’s Orthotics and Prosthetics: Historical Overview

Impact and Contribution of Physician Assistants to Nigerian Healthcare

Bridge between physicians and patients

1. Physician assistants act as intermediaries between doctors and patients, ensuring effective communication.


2. They provide patients with a better understanding of their conditions and treatment options.


3. Physician assistants play a crucial role in bridging the gap between patients and healthcare providers.

Improved access to healthcare services, especially in rural areas

1. Physician assistants help bring healthcare services to underserved and remote regions of Nigeria.


2. They can perform routine medical examinations, provide basic treatments, and prescribe medications.


3. Their presence in rural areas ensures that individuals have access to timely and quality healthcare.

Enhanced patient satisfaction and outcomes

1. Physician assistants spend more time with patients, listening to their concerns and addressing their needs.


2. They provide personalized care, leading to increased patient satisfaction.


3. Due to their expertise and support, patients experience improved health outcomes and faster recovery.

Reducing the burden on physicians and reducing healthcare costs

1. Physician assistants help alleviate the workload of physicians by handling routine tasks and patient care.


2. This allows doctors to focus on more complex cases and critical situations.


3. By reducing the burden on physicians, healthcare costs can be minimized without compromising the quality of care.

In general, physician assistants in Nigeria make significant impacts, bridging physician-patient gaps, enhancing access to healthcare, and reducing burdens on physicians.

Read: Top Institutions to Study Phlebotomy in Nigeria

Conclusion

Recap of personal experiences as a physician assistant in Nigeria

As a physician assistant in Nigeria, I experienced challenging yet rewarding moments, with long hours and heavy workloads. Helping patients shaped my healthcare role.

Reflection on the importance of physician assistants in the Nigerian healthcare system

In the Nigerian healthcare system, physician assistants play a vital role, offering essential medical care in underserved rural areas, bridging patient-physician gaps

Call to action for recognition and support of physician assistants in Nigeria

Nigerian government and healthcare organizations must actively support physician assistants, investing in education and improving autonomy for better healthcare.

Together, we can work towards a future where physician assistants in Nigeria are valued and empowered to make a significant impact on the health and well-being of all Nigerians.