In a rural Waikato town, four physician associates (PAs) are helping reshape what’s possible in general practice, and what it means to serve a community.

Sue van Mierlo is a nurse practitioner working as part of the Lakes Extended Care Team. In her role she supports people to self-manage long-term conditions and diseases, including managing diabetes. A large number of her clients are Māori.

From Tairāwhiti to Taupō and across to Taranaki, Pinnacle Extended Care Teams are experiencing increased referral demand and growing support from general practices.

Te Awamutu Medical Centre is helping to pioneer the use of physician associates in New Zealand general practice. They share their experiences with us.