We welcomed three new Physician Associate students to the Trust in August. This is a new profession for the NHS.

At present over 220 Physician Associates are employed across the NHS, working in over 20 specialities.

We welcome three students Taiwo Obisesan , Rehna Khan and  Samuel Crickmore  took up their clinical placements.

Sam Crickmore, said: “I have the opportunity to experience working in the Ophthalmology and Ear, Nose and Throat departments here in Calderdale and Huddersfield Trust as one of my second year placement rotations. The staff here have been welcoming and enthusiastic regarding both the Physician Associate role and my training, which is very supporting and promising for the future. I’m sure to gain valuable skills and experience during my time spent here achieved through expert guidance.”

In 2015 Leeds University started, for the first time, a two-year postgraduate diploma for those interested in becoming Physician Associates. The course is intense with students studying for 46-48 weeks each year. The programme is made up of taught modules and clinical placements. We are one of just three Trusts in the region offering secondary care clinical placements and are delighted to welcome the students, 25 will pass through our doors over the next 9-10 months. We are delighted they have joined us and we are looking forward to supporting them through what will be educational and enjoyable placements.