Preceptorship scheme for newly qualified physician associates working in general practice in Sheffield

We describe a preceptorship model that was initiated in March 2018 for newly qualified physician associates (PAs) in primary care in Sheffield, UK. The scheme enabled part funding for four band 6 preceptorship posts initially, alongside fortnightly teaching and mentorship by the preceptorship lead and a senior PA external to the employer. The number of posts had increased to 20 at the time of writing, due to the success of the scheme. We discuss how the scheme arose, and feedback from the general practice (GP) supervisors and the preceptorship PAs. The advantages of an external senior GP PA mentoring the preceptorship PA is highlighted, and this scheme may be the first of its kind to initiate this level of mentorship. A ‘preceptorship scale’ is suggested, which may aid employers in thinking about in-house support for this new member of their team in their first year of practice.