Are pharmacists under utilized? Why couldn't we train them to be on the front lines of medicine, like an entry-level doc, PA, or NP, to diagnose and prescribe for basic ailments? Their scope of practice would be limited to such certain basic ailments, as defined by law, and they would refer to outpatient or ER, as applicable.
To accomplish this, more clinical experience and pathology could be included in their education, and they would have to complete a 1-year clinical internship to obtain these expanded practice rights.
Just a wild thought.
