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Segment 7Hot TopicsWith Hope Clarke

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1How to answer any hot topic

2The resident doctors' strikes

3Physician associates and the Leng review

4Letby and the Thirlwall Inquiry

5Martha's Rule

6Maternity failures and infected blood

7Weight-loss jabs and obesity

8Smoking, vaping and prevention

9Vaccines, measles and the next pandemic

10Young people's mental health

11Health inequalities

12Climate, AMR and global health

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ReadingLesson 3 of 12

Physician associates and the Leng review

What this lesson covers

What a PA is, and isn't
Why the role became contested
Key events, with dates
What Leng changed, and what's still open
Both sides, then a line
How this comes up on the day

The words to use

Physician associate (physician assistant): Trains for two years after a science degree, then assesses and treats patients under a supervising doctor. Called physician assistant at work since Leng; the legal change is pending.
Undifferentiated patient: A patient whose problem has not yet been assessed or diagnosed. Leng said PAs should not see them except within clearly defined national protocols.
Scope of practice: What a professional is trained and allowed to do in a role. In September 2025 the High Court held the GMC's refusal to set one for PAs was lawful.
Leng review: The independent review of the PA and anaesthesia associate roles, led by Professor Gillian Leng. The government accepted all 18 recommendations on 16 July 2025.
GMC registration: The GMC has regulated PAs since 13 December 2024. From December 2026, registration is a legal requirement for anyone using the title.

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The words to use

Physician associate (physician assistant)

Trains for two years after a science degree, then assesses and treats patients under a supervising doctor. Called physician assistant at work since Leng; the legal change is pending.

Undifferentiated patient

A patient whose problem has not yet been assessed or diagnosed. Leng said PAs should not see them except within clearly defined national protocols.

Scope of practice

What a professional is trained and allowed to do in a role. In September 2025 the High Court held the GMC's refusal to set one for PAs was lawful.

Leng review

The independent review of the PA and anaesthesia associate roles, led by Professor Gillian Leng. The government accepted all 18 recommendations on 16 July 2025.

GMC registration

The GMC has regulated PAs since 13 December 2024. From December 2026, registration is a legal requirement for anyone using the title.