Alexandra Troy
I have been working in the Colorectal and General Surgery Department at a Beaumont Hospital for the past seven years. I work for five consultants and am primarily under one consultant and assigned to their team.
I attend ward rounds, see patients in outpatient clinic, conduct virtual clinics and assist in surgery. I also serve as adjunct faculty for the RCSI MSc Physician Associate programme, where I lecture, examine students for OSCEs and long case exams, and work as a clinical rotation preceptor.
My clinical work is complemented by a strong interest in research – I have been actively involved in multiple quality improvement projects and national clinical audits – and a passion for academia, leadership, and quality improvement. I have also played an active role within the Irish Society of Physician Associates (ISPA).
Over the years, I have served in multiple leadership roles, including Director at Large, President-Elect, President, and Past President, and chaired the inaugural ISPA Conference 2023 Workforce Group. My contributions extend to various ISPA committees and workforce groups focused on communication, research, continuing professional development (CPD), advocacy, and career progression.
In October 2022, I was named an Honorary Clinical Lecturer at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, marking a significant milestone in my academic journey. Additionally, I completed my Postgraduate RCSI Diploma in Healthcare Professional Education in 2024.
I choose to study at RCSI because, after completing my undergraduate degree in BSc Athletic Training in the US, I wanted to return home before pursuing further studies. Having previously worked alongside physician associates (PAs) in the US, I was already drawn to the profession. When I learned that RCSI was launching its Physician Associate MSc, I jumped at the opportunity.
The clinical rotations were the highlight of my studies. They allowed me to translate classroom learning into real-world patient care, and it was through these experiences that I truly appreciated how the PA role integrates into the Irish healthcare system – mirroring my observations from the US.
I cherished my time at RCSI. The programme was innovative and dynamic, supported by a dedicated faculty who were always ready to assist. The institution’s top-tier resources and state-of-the-art facilities provided an exceptional environment for learning and professional growth.
This is a demanding course and a challenging profession to establish in Ireland, but it is worth it. If you’re considering this career and are accepted into the programme, remember to:
- Be present: Attend every lecture, tutorial, clinical lab session, and rotation.
- Be proactive: Ask questions and engage with your peers and faculty.
- Be resilient: Every action (or inaction) shapes your future as a PA.
I’m incredibly proud to be part of the first cohort of RCSI’s MSc Physician Associate Studies graduates. The experience has been life-changing, and I will always cherish my time at RCSI.
Be an advocate for positive change. Be a team player. Push boundaries and break glass ceilings.
Alexandra Troy, Physician Associate Studies, Class of 2018