Congratulations on holding out the PAs and NPs!

[MacGyver]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Surgeons deserve some kudos here. They are bar none, the ONLY specialty that hasnt yet whored themselves out to PAs and NPs. Yes, they can do first assists, but there is no surgery in teh WHOLE COUNTRY, that takes place without an MD/DO being in the room.

thats a MAJOR accomplishment in this day and age of midlevel penetration.

Please dont follow the other medical specialties who are now in serious trouble with midlevels because they opened the door as a way to make more money via supervision. Of course after a few years of "supervision" the nurses got the laws changed and now they have independent practice.

I know the temptation is out there. There are surgeons right now who are thiking "wow I could make even more money by letting an NP do the surgery while I'm in another hospital!" Dont even think about it. If you guys start doing that, then surgery will go the same way the rest of the medical specialties have gone.

I'll say it again, there is no surgery in this country that occurs without an MD/DO present. Stay on defense, and dont give those midlevels an inch. The day you let them start running surgeries solo will mark a precipitous decline of your profession.

 

[mysophobe]

From what I hear, there are PAs that are doing more minor cases without an MD/DO present, but rather just popping his head in at the end. I can't remember what the cases were, but whatever it is, I don't think that's the best idea.

 

[sandg]

MacGyver's act re: midlevels got old long ago on these boards.

 

[fishmonger69]

only procedure i see PA/NPs doing are vein harvest for CABG. otherwise, PAs are managing medical issues on the transplant floor.

 

[locitamd]

totally random, except for MacGyver's quote. Anyone know where I can find a clip of that scene from Malice?

(and sorry if I'm hijacking)

 

[mysophobe]

only procedure i see PA/NPs doing are vein harvest for CABG. otherwise, PAs are managing medical issues on the transplant floor.

Yeah, I've heard that some do the majority of the CABG, pacemakers, pericardial windows. That might be them inflating their responsibility to seem more skilled, but I dunno.

 

[fishmonger69]

Yeah, I've heard that some do the majority of the CABG, pacemakers, pericardial windows. That might be them inflating their responsibility to seem more skilled, but I dunno.

wow. i seriously doubt the CT surgeons i've worked with would every allow the PA to do that, especially over the CT fellow or even a surgical intern for that matter. but, each program can be quite different.

 

[mysophobe]

Yeah, like I said, I think it may be them inflating their responsibilities to seem more autonomous, but who knows. Personally, if I were an attending, I'd be hesitant to let anyone else do anything, unless I know they can't kill the person by screwing up.