The 35th Annual Physician Assistant Conference of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), held in Philadelphia in May 2007, was attended by almost 8000 delegates, including physician assistants (PAs), students, academics and policymakers. The conference aimed to promote professional development of PAs, develop ideas and provide education. It also featured an international forum focusing on global developments in PA-related activities. We report here on two countries that have recently introduced PAs, to identify opportunities for improving Australia’s transition into implementing the PA role.