PAs in Latvia

ABSTRACT: The physician assistant (PA) or associate profession in Latvia has its root in the feldšeris, or feldsher, profession of eastern Europe. Initially trained for military service, Latvian feldshers began receiving education to provide care to civilians in 1954. The profession changed its name to ārsta palīgs ("physician assistant") in the early 2000s. Latvian PAs are trained in a 3-year diploma program consisting of basic sciences, clinical sciences, and clinical placements in core medical disciplines, and have the option to obtain a specialized credential in emergency medicine or outpatient medicine with an additional year of study. Approximately 2600 PAs in Latvia practice in primary and specialty care across the country, and there are twice as many PAs per capita in Latvia as there are in the United States. PAs are an important part of Latvia's health care workforce solution to a significant provider shortage.