Episode #5: Deniece O’Leary | PA in Family Medicine (US to Canada)
Episode Summary
In this episode, we sit down with Deniece O'Leary, a physician assistant with extensive experience in both Southern California and Ontario, Canada. Deniece shares her unique perspective on the evolution of the PA profession across borders, her role in clinical education at McMaster University, and the immense value of professional lateral mobility.
Our conversation explores the practical differences in scope of practice, the challenges of navigating a developing healthcare model, and the critical importance of being a vocal advocate for the profession.
“When I started looking into the physician assistant role, that's exactly what it gave me: the flexibility to do different types of medicine."”
-Deniece O’Leary, PA-C
Key Takeaways
Leverage the unique advantage of lateral mobility. Unlike many medical roles that require narrow specialization for a lifetime, the PA profession allows you to transition between diverse fields such as orthopedics, dermatology, and family medicine without starting your education from scratch.
Understand the systemic differences between the US and Canada. While clinical skills translate well, you will encounter distinct differences in funding models, billing numbers, and the ability to prescribe certain medications depending on the jurisdiction.
Anticipate a greater emphasis on professional education. Practicing in a region where the PA role is relatively young means you will frequently act as an ambassador, explaining your scope to patients and colleagues alike to ensure effective coordination of care.
Prepare for a high-volume, diverse clinical workload. In a family practice setting, you may manage 20 to 26 patients daily, covering everything from chronic disease management and acute care to specialized procedures in dermatology or women's health.
Prioritize advocacy alongside your clinical duties. Securing the future of the profession requires active engagement, such as communicating with government officials to demonstrate how PAs improve system efficiency and patient outcomes.
About Our Guest
Deniece O'Leary, PA-C Deniece is a physician assistant currently practicing family medicine in Ontario, Canada. Originally trained in Southern California, she moved to Ontario to support the launch of the physician assistant program at McMaster University. Her career spans multiple specialties, including dermatology and orthopedic surgery, reflecting her commitment to clinical flexibility and medical education
