Physician Assistants Push for Name Change to 'Physician Associates'

The American Academy of Physician Associates is leading the charge, but physicians are resisting the move.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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The American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) is determined to see the title of physician assistants (PAs) changed to physician associates across the country. So far, Maine, New Hampshire, and Oregon have adopted the title change, and the AAPA expects the name change to be made eventually nationwide. The AAPA argues the term 'physician associate' more accurately describes the role of PAs, who often diagnose, treat, and prescribe care independently. However, the American Medical Association opposes the change, arguing it would only confuse patients and raise healthcare costs.

Why it matters

The push to change the title from 'physician assistant' to 'physician associate' is part of a broader effort by PAs to modernize their scope of practice and gain more independence from physician supervision. Proponents argue the new title better reflects the advanced training and capabilities of PAs, while opponents fear it will mislead patients and undermine the physician-led healthcare team model.

The details

The AAPA is leading the charge for the name change, working through state legislatures and federal agencies to get the new title adopted. They argue the term 'physician associate' more accurately describes the PA's role in diagnosing, treating, and prescribing care, often independently of a supervising physician. However, the American Medical Association opposes the change, saying it would only confuse patients and raise healthcare costs with no benefit. The AMA believes the current 'physician assistant' title is well-established and understood.

  • Maine, New Hampshire, and Oregon have already adopted the 'physician associate' title.
  • The AAPA expects the name change to be made eventually nationwide.

The players

American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA)

The organization leading the push to change the title of physician assistants to 'physician associates' across the country.

Chantell Taylor

Chief of public affairs and advocacy at the American Academy of Physician Associates.

Debra Fournier

DNP, APRN, chief advanced practice provider officer at Dartmouth Health in Lebanon, New Hampshire.

David Aizuss

Chair of the American Medical Association Board of Trustees, which opposes the name change.

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What they’re saying

“The name change is likely to be adopted widely across the country. It may take some time as momentum builds and more states recognize the importance of the title change.”

— Chantell Taylor, Chief of public affairs and advocacy, American Academy of Physician Associates (healthleadersmedia.com)

“The term physician assistant is misleading because the relationship between a PA and a physician is merely transactional. In most cases, a PA diagnoses, treats, and prescribes care, and a supervising physician signs off on charts and rarely sees the patient.”

— Chantell Taylor, Chief of public affairs and advocacy, American Academy of Physician Associates (healthleadersmedia.com)

“Our PAs are excited about this name change. PAs feel it recognizes the practice they are engaged in and the work they do.”

— Debra Fournier, DNP, APRN, chief advanced practice provider officer, Dartmouth Health (healthleadersmedia.com)

“The title physician assistant has been used for decades and is widely recognized by patients and deeply embedded across hospital and health system policies, as well as state and federal laws and regulations. Given that many patients already struggle to know who is—and is not—a physician, changing this title would only add confusion.”

— David Aizuss, Chair, American Medical Association Board of Trustees (healthleadersmedia.com)

What’s next

The AAPA is working at the federal level to get recognition of the 'physician associate' title, including working with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Department of Health and Human Services.

The takeaway

The debate over the PA title change highlights the ongoing tensions between the medical establishment and advanced practice providers seeking greater autonomy. While proponents argue the new title better reflects the PA's role, opponents fear it will mislead patients and undermine the physician-led healthcare team model.