I have to start this with a bit of a sigh. I was just reading in another post about how "midlevels" (a term I despise), are "not a solution".
NOW, if this was a practicing physician with years upon years of experience who has had multiple interactions with PA's and NP's, and has either employed their own "midlevel" in the past, or has worked very closely with them, it would be one thing.
Unfortunately, it is coming from a medical student, who likely has had little, if any interactions with PA's and/or NP's and is making a determination or judgement based on nothing but fear, misinformation or jealousy.
I don't like writing posts like this, but I am always, first and foremost, an advocate for my profession. It is interesting that in my travels, and experience, that physicians who have extensive experience with PA's at least, have nothing but positive comments.
We provide HIGH quality, low cost care. It's that simple. Can we see and manage everything....NO. We are not physicians, and I, at least for one, have never claimed to be. After close to 15 years in practice however, I can safely and comfortably see about 90% or more what comes through an ED's doors on my own. That is experience.
Now, onto the DNP. I have been asked on multiple occasions, including by someone at the WH office for health reform my opinion on the DNP. I will share the same opinion that I gave the president of the AANC 2 months ago. From a PA perspective, I could really care less about the DNP degree, and what the NP profession is doing. This is their move, however, from a health policy perspective, I have significant workforce supply concerns.
Primarily, and regardless of whatever your personal opinion of NP's might be, they have provided an incredibly valuable service by staffing and working in inner city and rural primary clinics, working and providing primary care in areas that physicians have for the most part eschewed. I have concerns that by mandating the entry level degree to the doctoral level, that fewer graduates will practice in these typically lower paying areas. Also, historically, the most likely candidates to practice in rural or underserved areas, are people FROM those areas. They also are usually financially disadvantaged, and may not have the time or resources to complete a doctoral degree. I am concerned that the implementation of this will have serious negative effects on the supply and deployment of NP's, particularly in these areas in which they have been so valuable.
Lastly, PA's and NP's are not going anywhere. IN FACT, the AAMC and other physician groups are providing strong support for additional training of PA's
WHY, you might ask? Because, there is a projected shortage of 124,000 physicians by 2025. Even the current 30% expansion in medical school enrollment will only MODERATE this, not even come close to eliminating it, according to the AAMC. And this doesn't take into account the scores of physicians who work part time, are in administrative positions, research, etc.
It's simple math. Their won't be enough physicians, so you will need us. I would suggest, that rather than disparage us, you learn more about our respective professions, and when you are an attending, you attempt to teach and ensure that the PA's and NP's you work with and come in contact with, are well educated, and can take excellent care of patients.
NOW, if this was a practicing physician with years upon years of experience who has had multiple interactions with PA's and NP's, and has either employed their own "midlevel" in the past, or has worked very closely with them, it would be one thing.
Unfortunately, it is coming from a medical student, who likely has had little, if any interactions with PA's and/or NP's and is making a determination or judgement based on nothing but fear, misinformation or jealousy.
I don't like writing posts like this, but I am always, first and foremost, an advocate for my profession. It is interesting that in my travels, and experience, that physicians who have extensive experience with PA's at least, have nothing but positive comments.
We provide HIGH quality, low cost care. It's that simple. Can we see and manage everything....NO. We are not physicians, and I, at least for one, have never claimed to be. After close to 15 years in practice however, I can safely and comfortably see about 90% or more what comes through an ED's doors on my own. That is experience.
Now, onto the DNP. I have been asked on multiple occasions, including by someone at the WH office for health reform my opinion on the DNP. I will share the same opinion that I gave the president of the AANC 2 months ago. From a PA perspective, I could really care less about the DNP degree, and what the NP profession is doing. This is their move, however, from a health policy perspective, I have significant workforce supply concerns.
Primarily, and regardless of whatever your personal opinion of NP's might be, they have provided an incredibly valuable service by staffing and working in inner city and rural primary clinics, working and providing primary care in areas that physicians have for the most part eschewed. I have concerns that by mandating the entry level degree to the doctoral level, that fewer graduates will practice in these typically lower paying areas. Also, historically, the most likely candidates to practice in rural or underserved areas, are people FROM those areas. They also are usually financially disadvantaged, and may not have the time or resources to complete a doctoral degree. I am concerned that the implementation of this will have serious negative effects on the supply and deployment of NP's, particularly in these areas in which they have been so valuable.
Lastly, PA's and NP's are not going anywhere. IN FACT, the AAMC and other physician groups are providing strong support for additional training of PA's
WHY, you might ask? Because, there is a projected shortage of 124,000 physicians by 2025. Even the current 30% expansion in medical school enrollment will only MODERATE this, not even come close to eliminating it, according to the AAMC. And this doesn't take into account the scores of physicians who work part time, are in administrative positions, research, etc.
It's simple math. Their won't be enough physicians, so you will need us. I would suggest, that rather than disparage us, you learn more about our respective professions, and when you are an attending, you attempt to teach and ensure that the PA's and NP's you work with and come in contact with, are well educated, and can take excellent care of patients.
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