In this episode of 'Patients at Risk,' Angie Pereira shares the heartbreaking story of losing her father due to a misdiagnosed pulmonary embolism by a nurse practitioner in an after-hours clinic. Despite her father's presenting symptoms of shortness of breath and leg pain, strong family history of blood clots, and normal lung exam, the nurse practitioner diagnosed him with pneumonia, leading to his untimely death the next day. Angie emphasizes the need for proper physician oversight and questions the push for independent practice for nurse practitioners. The discussion extends to issues of legislative accountability, corporate healthcare’s role in potentially compromising patient care, and the necessity for patients to advocate for themselves to ensure high-quality medical care. Angie's story highlights the broader implications of inadequate training and supervision in healthcare, especially affecting rural communities.

PhysiciansForPatientProtection.org

Rebekah Bernard discusses the legislative trends and impacts of allowing non-physician practitioners (NPs and PAs) to practice medicine unsupervised. She highlights the extensive training and hours required for physicians compared to the significantly less training for NPs and PAs. Bernard explains how legislative changes have allowed NPs and PAs to practice independently in many states, often with less experience and training compared to physicians. She delves into the history of physician shortage concerns, influenced by flawed reports from the 1980s that led to restricted physician production and the promotion of NPs and PAs as substitutes. Bernard outlines the growth of NP and PA roles, the diluted quality of NP education, and the increasing trend of independent practice. The talk also addresses the disparities in healthcare quality and outcomes when care is provided by non-physician practitioners instead of physicians. Bernard advocates for prioritizing the production of properly trained physicians and ensuring physician-led care as well as holding NP leadership accountable for maintaining educational standards.

PhysiciansForPatientProtection.org

Dr. Denise Weiss always wanted to be a physician, but circumstances led her into nursing. She earned an associate's degree as a registered nurse, and then became a family nurse practitioner. After several years of practice, she realized that her education had not prepared her for independent practice, and she decided to return to school to become a physician. Now a practicing anesthesiologist, Dr. Weiss explains the differences between nursing and medical education, and why physician-led care matters.

PatientsAtRisk.com

Get the books, available in paperback, eBook, and Audible:

Patients at Risk: https://www.amazon.com/Patients-Risk-Practitioner-Physician-Healthcare/dp/1627343164

Imposter Doctors: https://www.amazon.com/Imposter-Doctors-Patients-at-Risk/dp/1627344438/

PhysiciansForPatientProtection.org