Under the supervision of a physician, PAs key functions can include:   

Conducting patient interviews, histories and physical exams  
Ordering and interpreting tests   
Prescribing medications  
Counselling patients on preventive health care   
Performing diagnostic/therapeutic procedures or assisting in surgery   
Performing other tasks within the supervising physician’s scope of practice that the physician deems the PA qualified to complete.

PAs are trained as generalists and can seamlessly fit into many areas within the health system.

Canadian Physician Assistant Profiles

To better acquaint our community with the Physician Assistant (PA) profession, newly introduced in our province, we are featuring profiles of Canadian PAs and PA students, shared by Canadian PA Blog. These profiles highlight the vital contributions PAs make to health care.


Aurthi, Emergency Medicine PA	Andrew, Orthopaedic Trauma PA	Maureen, Infectious Disease PA

Canadian Association of Physician Assistants (CAPA)

The Canadian Association of Physician Assistants (CAPA) is a professional association dedicated to advocating for the introduction and expansion of the Physician Assistant (PA) profession in Canada. Serving as the national voice for PAs, CAPA promotes the role of PAs within the national health care framework and champions the profession's growth. While membership in CAPA is optional, it supports the establishment and maintenance of quality standards and competencies for PAs. New graduates may be eligible for reduced membership rates.

CAPA Code of Ethics

The CAPA Code of Ethics, adapted from the Canadian Medical Association’s guidelines, sets the ethical standards for PAs, ensuring they prioritize patient well-being, maintain professional integrity, and practice medicine competently. It emphasizes lifelong learning, confidentiality, equity in health care, and accountability in various professional scenarios.

For more information, visit Code of Ethics

Physician Assistant Certification Council of Canada (PACCC)

The PACCC certifies Canadian PAs, ensuring that they maintain the necessary competencies throughout their careers, which are essential across all areas of practice.

College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan (CPSS)

The CPSS is the regulatory body that licenses and oversees medical professionals in Saskatchewan, including Physician Assistants (PA). Their responsibilities include:

⦁ Ensuring safe and competent care by setting standards for practice and conduct.
⦁ Facilitating information exchange on regulatory matters among members.
⦁ Protecting public interest through rigorous licensure processes.
⦁ Administering assessments and certifications for practice eligibility.

For more detailed information about the regulations and standards, visit the CPSS website.

SK Physician Assistant Podcast

The SK Physician Assistant podcast was created by the University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine with the goal of providing listeners with information about the physician assistant profession. This limited series podcast we will cover topics such as What is a physician assistant? What training is required to become a physician assistant? What is it like to work in a physician/PA dyad? and more.

Episode 1: What is a Physician Assistant?

Recorded Webinars

View webinars from the College of Medicine's MPAS program.

Improving Health Care Access: The Role of Physician Assistants in Saskatchewan

This webinar was presented on January 7, 2025 and introduces the physician assistant (PA) profession to physicians, addressing scope of practice, licensing, remuneration, and the role of PAs in enhancing health care delivery across the province.

Hosted by the University of Saskatchewan's College of Medicine in collaboration with the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan (CPSS) and the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants (CAPA).

Webinar slides