Looking for a solution to the chronic shortage of doctors, Alberta might follow the example of the military by allowing physician assistants to take some of the workload normally done by doctors.

Where they are used, physician assistants work under the supervision of  medical doctors to perform routine work such as taking patient histories, physical exams, diagnose illnesses, and even write prescriptions.

They are found in the United States, and have been used for decades in the U.S. and Canadian military.

"We do believe that they reduce workload," said Lt.-Col. Dennis Hearn, the head of medical education for the Canadian Forces. "They increase access to health care and they reduce wait times."

Alberta Health has just drafted a discussion paper on the issue.

Northern Alberta Institute of Technology is considering setting up a degree program for physician assistants and has contacted the military about adopting its program.

The University of Manitoba is already planning to start a training program.

"You know, if it's providing a service and support to patients and physicians, then it would work well," said Dr. Diana Turner, a family physician in Calgary where as many as one-quarter of the residents have no doctor.

"If it's being looked at to replace a family physician, I think that's when it's doomed to fail." 

Alberta needs to look at how physician assistants will be regulated, said Turner, and who will foot the bill for their office space outside of hospitals.

Family doctors struggle to keep up with skyrocketing overhead costs and simply can't afford to do that, Turner said.