PACE Monsoon Update – June 2025 at Rajagiri Hospital, Aluva
IAPACON2025- November 2025, Kochi
Allied and Healthcare Professionals Enrolment Portal is active , you can register through
https://ahpr.abdm.gov.in/
Physician Associate curriculum taskforce is formed by the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professionals ( NCAHP)
Mode of SPA registration changing to online mode – stay tuned
“A Physician Associate or Physician Assistant is a person who performs essential clinical and administrative tasks to support patient care. Trained in a medical model, PAs are qualified and competent to deliver preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic services under physician supervision.”
To be the leading professional organization that empowers Physician Associate (PAs) in Kerala, India to provide high-quality healthcare, promote equity in healthcare access, and achieve recognition both nationally and internationally as integral members of the healthcare system.
The Society of Physician Associate (SPA) is dedicated to advancing the Physician Associate profession in Kerala, India by promoting educational excellence, supporting clinical proficiency, and advocating for professional standards. We aim to foster collaboration, enhance healthcare delivery, and develop a skilled and diverse PA workforce that meets the evolving needs of the healthcare industry.
Strengthening Regional Engagement and Empowerment
The PA Forums, first established in 2014, serve as local hubs for Physician Assistants to connect, collaborate, and address regional healthcare needs. The Malabar PA Forum, inaugurated in 2014, was the pioneering regional forum, setting a model for others to follow. Since then, the Cochin PA Forum and Kottayam PA Forum have been established, each contributing to the professional and personal growth of PAs in their respective regions.
1998: The first Physician Assistant (PA) began practicing in Kerala.
2005: Kerala's first PA association was established at AIMS, Kochi.
2013: On August 15, IAPA initiated state chapters, appointing Mr. Ebin Abraham to establish the Kerala chapter. The first PA meeting in Kerala occurred on October 6 at YMCA Kochi, leading to the chapter's official formation on December 13 at Shishak Sadan, Ernakulam.
Educational Pathways
Aspiring PAs in India typically start with a Bachelor’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies, with options to pursue advanced degrees for specialized skills and career advancement:
Bachelor’s Degree: This foundational program covers essential medical sciences and provides basic clinical training.
Master’s Degree: Offers advanced knowledge, focusing on a specialty area. Training encompasses Clinical Skills, Research, Administration, and Pedagogy.
PhD Programs: For those aiming for leadership roles in academia, research, or healthcare management.
Budding PA of the Year
Physician Assistant, Baby Memorial Hospital, Thodupuzha, Idukki, has been selected for the budding PA Award 2025.
Mr. Ajith Mathew receiving the budding PA Award of the Year 2025” from Shri. Hibi Eaden, MP at PACE 2025, held on 5th January 2025 at Le Meridien, Kochi.
Senior Physician Assistant, Medical Trust Hospital, Kochi, has been selected for the best PA Award 2025.
Mr. Seby Joseph receiving the best PA Award of the Year 2025” from Shri. Hibi Eaden, MP at PACE 2025, held on 5th January 2025 at Le Meridien, Kochi.
Physician Assistant of the Year
SPA Spotlight
Mrs. Sandhya S.K. began her career as a Physician Assistant (PA) in the Cardiology Department at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, in 2005. Initially holding a Bachelor’s degree in Botany, her turning point toward healthcare came when her father was diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, igniting her passion to explore the medical field. After completing her Post Graduate Diploma in Physician Assistant in 2005, Mrs. Sandhya specialized in cardiology, receiving comprehensive clinical training in both outpatient and inpatient care. Her early responsibilities included assisting cardiologists during patient visits, clinical examinations, analyzing laboratory reports, counseling patients, and managing patient care in coronary care units. Since 2006, she has coordinated various clinical trials and actively contributed to training upcoming PA students
