Mental health physician associates in the National Health Service

The role of the physician associate in the United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS), particularly in the specialty of psychiatry, is reviewed.(1) The focus is on training and role of the physician associate, specialties in which they are employed in the United Kingdom, and an insight into their role in psychiatry. Data regarding effectiveness and benefit of employing physician associates, along with some misconceptions and limitations, are described. One conclusion is that physician associates are effective in increasing the workforce and providing continuity of care. As of 2015, physician associates in the United Kingdom are not licensed to prescribe or order radiographs or tests.(1)