Partners in Practice

Since the University of Colorado graduated the first nurse practitioners in 1965, the educational requirements to enter the field have changed as the healthcare system has changed. Now, in order to keep nurse practitioners' skill sets current and to stay in step with physicians, pharmacists, and other practitioners in evidence-based practice, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing is recommending a doctorate degree be required for new NPs. Dr. Joyce Pulcini, an associate professor at Boston College Connell School of Nursing, joins host Mimi Secor to talk about the trends and changes coming to higher learning for nurse practitioners.

Why do PAs enjoy going to work? Three main reasons: helping others, interacting with patients and the intellectual challenge of the career. A 2004 study found physician assistants are the happiest medical professionals. Dr. Dawn LaBarbera, chair of PA studies at the University of St. Francis in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins host Lisa Dandrea Lenell to discuss how her study impacts PAs now, and what PAs should look for in career decisions to retain high job satisfaction.

The Aspen Family Medical Group in the farming town of Modesto, California, has found success for 20 years as a clinic practice and as part of the larger community, with a novel business model. They accept all types of insurance, charge $40 for a physical exam, turn no one away because of inability to pay, welcome walk-ins, provide prescriptions at a cost of $4 or give them away for free, and share profits with employees. How does this work? PA/NP Matt Freitas, vice president of the clinic, talks to host Lisa Dandrea Lenell.

In the early 1970s and 80s, when the PA profession was in its infancy, there was a lot of research about this new option in healthcare careers. Fast forward 40 years, and the research has tapered off because of lack of funding, manpower, and because so many questions were answered in those early years of the field. What are the issues yet to be addressed about PA performance, clinical practice, and career trajectory? Jim Cawley, director of the PA/MPH program at The George Washington University in Washington, DC, talks with host Lisa Dandrea Lenell about the recent summit on PA research, why he believes continued research is important, and the research still missing from the knowledge base.

In October 2007, the first program in the Clinicians Roundtable series focusing on the issues of physician assistants aired on ReachMD. This week's program celebrates our 100th show and introduces a new series, Partners in Practice, a new, expanded series addressing the concerns of both physician assistants and nurse practitioners. This week, host Lisa Dandrea Lenell looks back at two and a half years of PA topics and guests. She is joined by Michael Gerchufsky, editor of the journal ADVANCE for Physician Assistants to talk about changes in the PA profession and where it's going in the future. Some of the issues they'll cover are: PA certification, the role of the NCCPA, and trends in PA specialization.

Tune in weekly to the new series, Partners in Practice, hosted by physician assistant Lisa Dandrea Lenell and nurse practitioner Mimi Secor.

As part of a profession whose role is not always clearly understood, physician assistants rely on the voice of their Associations. Host Lisa D'Andrea Lenell talks to Charlene Morris, past-president of the Association of Family Practice Physician Assistants, about practical ways PAs can get involved and lead.

As part of a profession whose role is not always clearly understood, physician assistants rely on the voice of their Associations. Host Lisa D'Andrea Lenell talks to Charlene Morris, past-president of the Association of Family Practice Physician Assistants, about practical ways PAs can get involved and lead.

Lisa D'Andrea talks with Bill Fields, the founder of PAworld and NPworld, one of the largest online job and advocacy sites for advanced practice clinicians. They discuss the important elements of job seeking and recruiting for PAs and NPs.

There are many states that allow physician assistants to own a medical practice. Some of these practices employ many physicians. Does it matter who signs the paycheck?

There are many states that allow physician assistants to own a medical practice. Some of these practices employ many physicians. Does it matter who signs the paycheck?