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Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

Specialty

Primary Care

Abstract

The ongoing crisis in primary care demands innovative and scalable strategies to prepare and retain advanced practice providers. This article introduces the Primary Care Practitioner (PCP) Program, a conceptual postgraduate training model designed for certified physician associates/assistants (PAs) who aim to serve in underserved and rural communities. The program integrates advanced clinical training, leadership development, telehealth competencies, VR-enhanced simulation, and evidence-based strategies to promote provider resilience. Rooted in systems-based thinking and real-world applicability, the PCP Program culminates in capstone projects that encourage innovation in care delivery and population health.

Aligned with national frameworks such as the HRSA Primary Care Training and Enhancement (PCTE) initiative and the Quadruple Aim, the PCP Program offers a replicable academic-clinical partnership model that bridges gaps in current PA postgraduate education. While still in the development and planning phase, the article presents a detailed structure for implementation, including curricular components, proposed competencies, and pathways for institutional adoption. The authors also propose a formal academic credential, PA-C, PCP, to recognize graduates of the program who have completed this structured, practice-based training in advanced primary care.

This article aims to contribute a forward-looking model that can inform future efforts in PA education, address emerging workforce challenges, and support more sustainable, high-performing primary care systems.

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