A Thought on Physician Fragility.

    Isn't medicine about serving & caring for the less fortunate-- our ill /sick fellow society members? So why is it that modern healthcare seems more entrenched in partisan politics than the so-called politicians in Washington? Our patient community needs healthcare access and expert medical advocacy when it comes to medical policy-making...not legislative barriers, inter-professional intolerance (aka turf battles) flexibility. The lack of cooperation, inclusivity, and tolerance is obviously absent when physician groups' behavior departs from Team-based practices.

    How so? (you ask). Well, there are quite a few examples if one looks closely throughout the country. For example, many Medical Boards and Medical state chapter societies are seeking to label non-physician providers as unsafe clinicians. This new position not only seeks to discredit our industry value but rejects both, the mature flexibility and cooperation all physicians should embrace when working with PAs to best serve patients together.

    Is difficult to see the Physician community be so threatened by APPs. This "Physician Fragility" mindset should not be a problem. Physicians and PAs work together in teams and with other healthcare providers every day. Evidence has shown that when PAs have the flexibility to practice at the highest levels of their education and experience, patients benefit most as a result. Unfortunately, many seek to foment division and regression by proposing Scope of Practice restrictions. These partisan legislative moves only seek to reinforce archaic PA practices/regulations. These proposals already decrease access to care in many socio-economically disadvantaged communities or rural ones too. Also, situations like these consequently increase the physician's clinical burden by having to spend more time caring for an older sicker patient population. Hence another factor leading to burnout and/or early retirement.

    One doesn't have to be a "Rocket Scientist"  to see the results of myopic restrictive regulations do not serve patients well. In addition, there is no evidence these kinds of regulations improve patient care or that they are even necessary. The point is, that these proposed regulations are a screen for a disguised restriction of trade. Basically, in search of a problem where there's none.

    Even more disappointing, is the refusal to acknowledge our professional evolution and growth from mere assistants. Their denial seeks to seriously undermine skill  & desire to be professionally respected along with our request to promulgate & support PA-friendly policy regulations that make sense for PAs We know firsthand and understand the challenges and needs facing our profession better than anyone.  Therefore, if they are as patient-centric as they say they are, then, all Physician groups should stand to eliminate any additional layers of bureaucracy that limit healthcare access to patients.

    In the end, Physicians and PAs are all members of the same team when it comes to providing the  American patient with high-quality healthcare. There is no reason why PAs and physicians can mutually resolve/settle this important issue by reaching across the aisle and putting these attitudinal views to rest.