Is an M.D. Right For You?

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Contrary to the good doctor’s article, Nurse Practitioners (NPs) in MOST states are independent providers and DO NOT work for or under the supervision of some doctor.
Like PAs, we work under our own license but unlike PAs, we have our own scope of practice rather than working under a MDs scope. This is not to say we are superior, just different in our licensure model. The gentleman above is correct in that PAs and NPs often work in a team manner with other providers and collaborate as appropriate. This is how ALL practitioners work (or at least is supposed to). It is disappointing that this article’s mistakes have not been corrected, and knowledge of NP/PA roles has been . All he had to do was ask a NP.

WM of TX 11:33PM July 07, 2012

I cant wait to try to go to college in Harvard, even though its almost 6 years away. Yes I'm only 12 and I want to go to Harvard

Oscar A. Lacayo of FL 7:40PM September 02, 2011

Physician Assistants in all states practice under their own license. PAs are tied to the MD in so far as the scope of practice is based on a mutual agreement of what the PA is capable of. A PA is a health provider and subject to all the liabilities and privileges an MD shares. The MD/PA concept is a team approach, where the PA and MD rely on each other to help the patient. Just thought I'd clear that up. A PA will do about 90-95% of what an MD does, with exceptions for certain specialties. I do not take away from an MD, as their training is difficult and they generally will handle the more complex cases. PAs however also have extensive training in the same medical model, with the theory that PAs can be "Physician Extenders".

Marcos - Hospitalist PA-C of WA 3:52AM May 02, 2011