Is there a cuckoo in the nest? How to rear and develop a new professional group

In this edition of JVSGBI, we can see the views of VSGBI members at various stages of their career on working with a new group of colleagues, Physician Associates (PAs).1 This survey followed a vigorous debate that played out in both social and mainstream media. The ramifications spread to the highest levels of medical leadership, with strong support from the Department of Health. After an extraordinary meeting of the Royal College of Physicians it led to the resignation of the sitting president. This new group of workers, the PAs, has generated discussion across all colleges and the Academy of Royal Colleges and there was debate at the Surgical Forum of Great Britain and Ireland early in 2024. In the end we are a membership organisation, interested in how we can work best to support our patient group. Knowing our members’ views will be fundamental to any change.