Can a NP perform plastic surgery?

[Taurus]

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Can a NP perform plastic surgery?

Funny thread. But in all seriousness, all physicians including surgeons should not underestimate the ambitions of the nurses.

 

[DoctwoB]

Can a NP perform plastic surgery?

Funny thread. But in all seriousness, all physicians including surgeons should not underestimate the ambitions of the nurses.

While this is completely ridiculous, if it ever does come to pass, it will be our own fault as physicians. Only 40% of US allo students matched into plastics. The avg. plastics reject would be a top candidate in another field. Artificially limiting supply by keeping programs tiny creates a situation in which FPs, and even NPs will start to move into the lucrative market of cosmetics. They may not ever be able to perform a complex reconstructive procedure, but they'd be more then happy to take some of the low lying, high paying fruit.

 

[DHT]

While this is completely ridiculous, if it ever does come to pass, it will be our own fault as physicians. Only 40% of US allo students matched into plastics. The avg. plastics reject would be a top candidate in another field. Artificially limiting supply by keeping programs tiny creates a situation in which FPs, and even NPs will start to move into the lucrative market of cosmetics. They may not ever be able to perform a complex reconstructive procedure, but they'd be more then happy to take some of the low lying, high paying fruit.

Im not sure I would be so quick to judge that plastics is keeping its slots artificially low.

Remember before a program can train a resident, they have to prove they have the case volume to do so. There are dozens of accreditation hoops to jump through and you don't just "decide to add more spots."

Another thing to keep in mind that integrated programs are not the only way to go. There are still plenty of plastics fellowships around, and programs that offer plastics fellowships will not be able to offer integrated plastics.

Also, it doesn't take very much skill to inject botox. Most people getting cosmetic procedures will shop around and look for board certified plastic surgeons. I doubt anyone will pay top dollar to see an NP.

The real issue that Taurus is pointing out is that NPs are successfully lobbying for the ability to practice solo...which is completely unacceptable. I do think surgical specialties are safe for the time being, but I feel like all physicians need to band together to stop this push, much like lawyers did to paralegals.

Edit: Forgot to mention that GME money doesn't exactly go on trees. Even if a program wants to and is able to train more residents, they have to get funding from the GME, which has been stagnant for quite some time.

 

[JaggerPlate]

Disgusting.

 

[Valadi]

On a somewhat similar note, I've recently heard (I think it was a NY Times article) about OB/Gyns practicing breast augs under local after doing a weekend training course. I have never heard of a plastic surgeon performing an augmentation with local anesthesia, and weekend training courses to practice any sort of OR procedure blow my mind, but I haven't read much about the safety and efficacy of their practice. Anyone have additional insight?