for patients in health care .
Physicians should continue to be the primary leaders in the direct medical care of patients . We are the most qualified to lead . Physicians are required to attend four years of college , four years of medical school and residency training for three to seven years ( based on specialty ). Most physicians become board certified in their specialty and undergo rigorous licensing requirements on a yearly basis to practice medicine . Non-physician providers do not have to meet the same years of rigorous education and clinical training requirements to practice medicine . The non-physician requirements , level of education , medical knowledge and skill sets are significantly different than physicians . Thus , a non-physician provider ’ s scope of practice should not be as comprehensive as physicians . Also , if non-physician providers gain an increasing role as the lead practitioner in providing health care , the physician ’ s role as the leader in providing direct care to patients will continue to decline .
Finally , I encourage all physicians to work with their physician-led societies and associations , to advocate and lobby for the continuation of the physician as the leader in directing patient health care . Strong advocacy for the physician ’ s role in health care will lead to strong advocacy for patients , thus promoting safety , health and well-being for patients ’ health care . Scope of practice is very important to maintain the legal framework in the delivery of medical services . Physicians , physician assistants , nurse practitioners and other mid-level providers should continue to work as a collaborative team for patients ’ health care , but physician oversight is crucial .
Dr . Hargett is a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician in private practice . He is also Treasurer of the National Medical Association .
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