re: Amid doctor shortage, NPs and PAs seemed like a fix. Data’s in: Nope.

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Why not identify kids with the aptitude and work ethic to become medical doctors at an early age...say around 12. They would then start a STEM based curriculum and their professional training could be paid through scholarship. They eventually achieve their MD and complete residency at random charity hospitals.

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My daughter is finishing up her 5th year at a 6 year BA/MD program. They go balls to the wall for 6 years and don’t have a lot of undergraduate fluff. Many of the students will end up being primary care docs. It’s a model that I think should be expanded across the country. She also has been interacting with patients since her first month of college.

The number of residencies needs to be expanded nationwide - and specifically for primary care. And throwing RNs through NP diploma mills will solve nothing.