a Deprofessionalization in health care is unique in that, though there is a need for professionals
of similar but lowered skill sets throughout medicine, there is still a need for the subject matter
expert. We can see this taking place in nearly all aspects of healthcare. The nursing umbrella
covers nurse aides, licensed practical nurses, licensed vocational nurses, registered nurses,
nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and nurse anesthesiologist, to name a few. The provider
umbrella includes doctors, surgeons, physician assistants (PA), nurse practitioners (NP), and
nurse-midwives. There are also the doctors that undertake a certain specialty, like dermatology
or orthopedics. Additionally, I know a few Doctor of Physician Assistant Studies PAs and,
likewise, NPs can also be Doctors of their field.
a a a a One of the great things that accompanies deprofessionalization in healthcare is that it
expands access to care without the time and financial restraints that can accompany the
highest levels of education. Becoming a doctor from start to finish takes patience, diligence,
and a lot of money, with a delayed gratification once one is finally able to begin practicing.
However, one can become a Physician Assistant, depending on the program, in less than two
years. My husband, an Army Physician Assistant who obtained his degree through the
Interservice Physician Assistant Program (IPAP), enlisted in the Army after graduating with his
Bachelor of Science in Pre-Medicine and Chemistry. The IPAP actually provides a Bachelor of
Physician Assistant Studies at the end of the first half of the PA program, which consisted
strictly of classroom learning (U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence, n.d.). After completion
of the second half, consisting of clinical rotations, the IPAP provides a Master of Physician
Assistant Studies, at which point one can take their Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam
(PANCE) and become a licensed Physician Assistant U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence,
n.d.).
While a Physician Assistant is not a doctor, they are able to provide similar levels of
care, prescribe medication, and conduct many of the same examinations and tests that a
doctor can provide. This, in turn, frees up the doctor to spend their time on patients or
situations that require a greater level of expertise or experience, without compromising in
patient care. The same can be said for a nurse aide; they do not possess the entire skillset of a
registered nurse but, by assisting in areas that they are skilled in, they free up the registered
nurses time to dedicate to matters that require a little more knowledge. There is room for all
levels of skill sets within medicine, as all skills are necessary and beneficial.
a a a a Deprofessionalization in health care is unlikely to change in the future. The fact of the
matter is, we as a society are increasing our lifespans and our survival rate. This increases the
need for competent health care providers and practitioners. Allowing for pathways to these
professions that don’t require such a time commitment allow for a quicker entrance into the
profession without so much fluff. There are a multitude of medical situations and scenarios
where a doctor is necessary, but there are also just as many health care situations where a
doctor’s expertise isn’t required. Educated and credentialed providers and practitioners can fill
in many of the gaps in health care, particularly in terms of staffing and patient access.
References
IPAP – Interservice Physician Assistant Program. U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence. (n.d.).
https://medcoe.army.mil/ipap
