Rules of Engagement: Five Considerations for Physician Assistants Participating in Scholarly Work

INTRODUCTION: With the rapid increase in the number of Physician Assistant/Associate (PA) programs, more clinically trained PAs are entering into the world of academia as PA educators. These individuals may not have received formal education on research and scholarship. Given that scholarly activities have both written and unwritten rules, understanding these nuances before embarking on scholarly pursuits is incredibly important for early career or novice researchers. METHODS: This article aimed to identify the top considerations for PAs engaging in scholarly activities. These considerations were identified through a literature review and from the collective lived experience of former/current PA faculty. RESULTS: Five considerations were identified for PAs who wish to engage in scholarly pursuits. The first consideration is mentor identification. The second is collaboration and the formation of a study team. The third is establishing authorship and the order of authors. The fourth is clear communication and reasonable deadlines. Finally, the fifth is identifying a target journal and determining a plan for payment of journal publication fees. DISCUSSION: Early career faculty or novice researchers must navigate the nuances of not only academia, but pursuit and participation in scholarly activities. For many, this is an entirely new world, and mistakes are made along the way. This article aims to equip the reader with a thorough understanding of the top considerations for engaging in scholarly activity in the hopes that this knowledge will smooth the transition for those who wish to embark upon the journey of scholarship.