Digital Leadership in Physician Assistant Education.

Abstract: The rapid evolution of technology offers the health industry advancement of organizational operations that directly impact clinical practice. Physician assistant (PA) educational settings have an added responsibility to set a foundation for students where they can develop comprehensive digital skills necessary for professional growth in the workforce. The challenges for PA educators of behavioral medicine fundamentals include personalizing pedagogy to all learners to equip students with the soft skills they will need in clinical practice. It is far too often that patients are unwilling to communicate their concerns or collaborate in their care plans when rapport is not well established between health care providers and their patients. Artificial intelligence applications broaden the opportunities for PA educators to create learning environments that are conducive for students with various learning styles. Physician assistant leaders in education and clinical practice have the opportunity to influence the inclusiveness of digital tools in their clinical settings and communities to better meet the needs of their patients and enhance patient outcomes. The skills developed as a result of digital integration among PA education prepares learners for all medical disciplines where adaptability is valued. Digital leadership begins in PA education and enhances the clinical practice of PAs.