The Role of Physician Assistants in Employee Health and Wellness Programs
Yplostylia Varkonin 
Businesses in 2024 have to work hard to keep their employees happy. The workforce has changed in recent years, especially in terms of expectations for employers. Workers are not afraid to make their preferences known and have shown a willingness to search for a better situation if those needs are not met.
One element that is moving to the forefront of conversations among business owners and executives is employee wellness. Workers want to know that their employers care about the individual, and a health and wellness program is a great way to attract new talent and retain current team members.
Physician assistants can have a role to play in this work initiative. Business owners must look for unique ways to provide healthcare services and incentives to their employees as part of the workplace perks or insurance packages. Let’s dive into the role that physician assistants can play in health and wellness programs in the workplace.
Screenings
Physician assistants can perform screenings for all kinds of medical conditions. These professionals have many of the same responsibilities as standard physicians, and workplaces can take advantage of this dynamic with health and wellness programs. For example, a workplace could offer certain free screenings for each employee right at the office, perhaps during a physical wellness day. This is a great idea for a workplace wellness event. Here are a few options that companies have for physician assistant health screenings.
Cholesterol Tests
Cholesterol is a common issue among Americans that is primarily influenced by diet. An early diagnosis of high cholesterol can result in a stronger treatment plan to lower the risk of further health concerns.
A PA could visit the office for the day to take blood samples as part of a wellness initiative so that employees can learn if they have a cholesterol problem.
Blood Pressure Checks
Blood pressure is another metric that can provide helpful data about a person’s health. Those who have high blood pressure are at a higher risk of heart disease, kidney damage, and even stroke. A simple blood pressure check can be done in the office by a physician assistant to encourage healthier living among employees.
Vaccinations
Physician assistants are qualified to provide vaccinations for patients. While most vaccinations occur during a regular visit to a healthcare practice, there are some that can be done in other circumstances. For example, each season, people choose to get flu vaccinations to protect themselves from the current strain. There are also COVID boosters that can be taken. Employers could invite physician assistants to the office to administer these seasonal vaccines to employees if they are interested. This is a great way to demonstrate a company’s care for its workers.
Wellness Discussions
Sometimes, knowledge is what all people lack to lead healthier lifestyles. Employers can help with this gap by inviting a physician assistant to the office to offer some lessons or discussions around the topic of health. Maybe some time could be set aside for a short seminar during the workday where a healthcare professional comes in and talks about the importance of a good diet and regular exercise.
That medical professional could then offer tips for employees to maintain health while at the office with stretch breaks after long hours of sitting at a desk. Wellness discussions with a physician assistant are a great non-monetary incentive for employees to lead healthier lives.
Physician Assistants as a Career
PAs can certainly play a role in helping other businesses take care of their employees. However, these healthcare professionals are also focused on helping people individually. Simply being a physician assistant and seeing patients can improve the lives of workers, even if it is not through a company’s health and wellness program. There are thousands of physician assistant jobs across the country where a caring person can make a difference in helping others deal with injuries, illnesses, and health concerns. When these patients have a health plan to follow, they can be more productive in their workplaces. Thus, PAs can indirectly support company cultures by providing great care for their patients.
Physician Assistants Play an Important Role in Supporting Employees and Businesses
The train has left the station, and there is no going back for business owners and executives. If they are unwilling to provide health and wellness benefits to their employees, then their talent pool is going to diminish. Workers want to feel valued, and a wellness program is just one way that employers can demonstrate that. Physician assistants can play a role in supporting these programs by offering screenings, vaccinations, and even wellness discussions to businesses. This makes them a vital part of many industries, not just the healthcare sector.
