Course: Leadership credits: 5

The Master Physician Assistant program works with a step-by-step approach to the theme of leadership during the training. In the first year, the focus is on developing Personal Leadership, in which the students question themselves on how to position themselves as a new professional in the medical domain. During the second year, the development of Professional Leadership is the central focus. Then it is about how the student positions and profiles himself within his organization and associated partner institutions as a versatile professional (both in the medical and scientific domain and in the field of collaboration within the organization). Finally, in the third year, the focus is on Public Leadership; the following topics are discussed: how can the student contribute to the "Bigger Picture" of his profession as a PA, nationally and internationally? Think of participating in working groups, giving presentations, contributing to societal issues, and increasing social awareness of your profession. In short: "The 3 P's of PA Leadership in Education and Practice". In academic years 1, 2, and 3 of the Physician Assistant program, themes are related to leadership and medical professionalism during the Behaviour and Communication lectures/working groups. In the so-called Masterlabs Leadership, the Canmeds model and Framework Plan for Medical Training 2020) and specific topics from medical professionalism offer in-depth knowledge from which the student can develop a vision of the practice of the profession in the context of the bigger picture. The topics covered in the Master labs are Personal motives, qualities/values and norms, ethics, patient safety/quality care, vision development and positive health and change management.
 In academic year 3, students write a 'position paper PA Leadership' in which the development of 'novice to expert' is described, and the students are challenged to describe their dream image concerning professional practice in 5-10 years from now. Central to this is the question of which leadership qualities they need to achieve the goal.