A qualitative analysis of PA leaders in Kentucky.

Objective: To describe Kentucky's physician associate/assistant (PA) leadership pathway and provide advice for individual leadership trajectories.

Methods: A qualitative study using semistructured interviews and inductive coding methodology to identify themes of PA leaders.

Results: Participants were primarily female (76.2%), ages 35 to 44 years (52.4%), and White (90.5%). They were primarily nonclinical (38.1%), described achieving their current leadership role by pursuing opportunities (42.9%), showed emotional intelligence (61.9%), had grit (61.9%), and did not feel that academic success correlates to leadership (42.9%). Leaders also gave advice consisting of form connections, prioritize personal growth, develop an entrepreneurial mindset, and play to your strengths.

Conclusions: Leadership is needed in healthcare and PAs are primed to serve in this role. Previous leadership experience is not a requirement, but organization, emotional intelligence, and grit are required. Future PA leaders should follow the playbook laid out by these leaders and begin today with investing in personal leadership development.