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

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PC docs make 150K to 250K dependent on location while an Orthopedic doc or Cardiologist is making 3 times that.

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It’s out of balance

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You'd have to explain to me why you consider that "out of balance."

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PAs and NPs can be great if subspecialized in surgery or something but they suck in primary care

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I will say, I've worked with many a PA who are fantastic first assists in the operating room. Can't really run 2 OR rooms without them. That is the ideal role for them IMO.

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50K will get you to about 2/3rd's of year 1 in many medical schools nowadays.....

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Especially the hoity-toity ones some people choose to attend.

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There is a mountain of data that says otherwise

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How about linking us to some of your mountain?

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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.

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And better loan repayment programs to attract students.

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Sounds like socialism, but OK, whatever.

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Mid levels don’t have the training or experience to practice medicine independently. Too many unnecessary tests and too many specialists referrals.

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My BIL is a dr and if it’s anything more than grandpa w high blood pressure he pushes it to a specialist. He’s terrified of being sued for a misdiagnosis

NPs/PAs are just fine. As physician extenders they can be excellent. OMMG cited a great example in enhanced surgical efficiency. There are many many others. Unsupervised solo practice isn't one of them.

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Really pushing him to be a GP because of this shortage. He nods politely then tells me in today’s medical field it makes no sense to leave up to 150K a year on the table for longer hours.

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he should pick the field he likes and sees himself doing as a career, switching later has major opportunity cost implications. an [insert specialty here] who doesnt want to be an [insert specialty here] is not going to be a great or happy [insert specialty here]. he is right about considering pay, but pay is largely determined by reimbursement which is heavily influenced by lawmakers and bureaucracy. the pendulum swings on what specialties are more or less desirable for pay/lifestyle reasons.