Even some of those who are opposed to a name-change effort have acknowledged the merits of the idea. Professor James Cawley says, “While intellectually I wholeheartedly agree with change proponents that physician assistant is an undesirable name for the profession, and agree that physician associate would be a far better and more accurate name for the profession, practically speaking, it’s just not going to happen.”4
If indeed we are “Here for the Long Haul” as new AAPA President Robert Wooten said in his first President’s Letter,5 then it is time to do what is right for our profession. If we want to continue to attract some of the best and brightest to our programs, then it is time to do what is right for our students. If indeed we are tired of sacrificing time with new patients and others to explain that our name doesn’t mean what it sounds like it means and that we are in fact qualified to provide their care, then it is time to do what is right. But as Colin Powell once said, “A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work.”
Are we, as a profession, ready to invest in this yet? I hope so. As always, I welcome your comments at PAEditor@qhc.com.
REFERENCES
1. Ries A, Trout J. The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing: Violate Them at Your Own Risk! Harper-Collins Publishers; 1993.
2. Blumm RM. Physician associate: a name that reflects our heritage and future. PA Professional. 2011;3(5):26.
3. Germino VH. Personal communication.
4. Cawley JF. Get used to it: why the name change is impractical. PA Professional. 2011;3(5):27.
5. Wooten RL. President’s letter: here for the long haul. PA Professional. 2011;3(5):5.