Rheumnow Podcast APP Controversies and Misconceptions
Dec 17, 2025
Join nurse practitioner Lisa Carnago, who integrates APPs into specialties at Duke, and physician assistant Daric A. Mueller, who enhances patient access in rheumatology. They navigate the complexities of APP roles, addressing misconceptions about their independence and ability to manage complex cases. The conversation dives into optimal training for APPs, patient satisfaction rates, and barriers to hiring. With insights on mentorship and care models, they reveal how APPs can elevate healthcare while enjoying professional growth.
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Choose Meetings To Fit Your Role
- Advise APPs to pick conferences that match their role and learning needs rather than attending everything.
- Lisa Carnago recommends APP-centric meetings for pharmacology hours and niche clinical meetings for focused learning.
APPs Improve Access And Patient Experience
- Hiring APPs increases clinic capacity and access for acute visits, improving patient experience.
- Daric Mueller notes patients report easier access and faster care after APPs joined practices.
Hire Personality, Then Train Skills
- Hire for personality and cultural fit, then train for clinical skills.
- Both Lisa Carnago and Daric Mueller recommend prioritizing fit over NP vs PA background.