Physician Associate/Assistant Title Demand from The World Health Organization: The Full Circle Feldsher

Introduction: As global disasters become more frequent1 and healthcare worker (HCW) shortages loom2, the demand for international HCWs increases. These disasters propagate healthcare needs generated freely over geopolitical boundaries, and the global HCW workforce repository desperately needs resuscitation. Civilian and military populations internationally recognize nurses, dentists, pharmacists, and doctors as the majority of global disaster medical response teams in the HCW role. Lack of consistent global identity results in the exclusion of Physician Assistants/Associates(PAs). While the profession offers a unique opportunity to contribute to fulfilling this global HCW need, a globally recognized definition of the PA is urgently needed to augment the inclusion of PAs in responding to these healthcare needs. A loss of title clarity leads to a lack of reference. Since its inception, the PA profession has continued to grow geographically and expand in scope of practice, and its role is a critical component in global HCW response efforts. By obligating the World Health Organization (WHO)3 to officially define and formally recognize the PA title, PAs and PA-like roles functionally assume ownership of a known archetype, solidifying itself to keep pace with international HCW rosters in fulfilling global disaster medical needs. Methods: Systematic Article Review, word search. Keywords: global; Physician Assistant/Associate; clinical officer; healthcare; shortage; occupation; feldsher; title; classification; paramedicine Results: Actionable items to support and put into use once this PA Title Authorization takes place would be an international exchange program for starter PA programs worldwide. Title formality develops a consistent framework when discussing special interest groups, international relations, and building organizations. It also conveys a common search term; when others are looking into PA-like roles, they are more likely to find PA. Increasing grammatical coherence captures multiple references under the varying terms worldwide. Conclusion: Require WHO to formally recognize PA title in the ISCO.3