Patients at Risk

 In the last episode, you heard some of my testimony at the Texas Interim Legislature hearing on Scope of Practice. Today you're going to hear from a nurse practitioner, Holly Jeffries, who is practicing in rural Texas.Her testimony was particularly impactful and really quite persuasive to legislators. I think it's important to understand the NP point of view and also learn the concerns of legislators by listening to their line of questioning.Referenced in the podcast:Facts about NP primary care numbers (HRSA shows much fewer doing primary care than AANP represents): https://youtu.be/AqyUdQZ-9fYSupervising physicians sued without ever seeing or being consulted on a patient: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/990494?form=fpfhttps://youtu.be/GlfPSnHgC1Ahttps://www.jucm.com/supervising-doctors-may-be-held-liable-in-malpractice-suits/https://www.medpagetoday.com/meetingcoverage/acep/106708Increasing rates of malpractice and adverse reports for NPs: https://youtu.be/EOeGhR2uUSUPhysiciansForPatientProtection.org

Alicia Plemons, an economist from West Virginia University with expertise in healthcare regulation, discusses the vital economic implications of expanding nurse practitioner roles. She explores how a modest increase in primary care providers could ease emergency care pressures and improve access in rural Texas. The conversation raises critical questions about training standards and safety in independent NP practices, while also examining the impact of private equity on healthcare quality and provider dynamics.

Christopher Garofolo, MD, a primary care expert, explores the pitfalls of advice shared on social media among nurse practitioners. He highlights the risks of misinformation from seasoned practitioners to novices, particularly regarding patient care. The discussion emphasizes the critical need for structured medical education over informal guidance, addressing the gaps in NP training. Garofolo critiques the reliance on social media for support and urges for improved communication and foundational knowledge to enhance healthcare outcomes.

Dr. Carol Nelson, a neurologist with nearly three decades of experience, shares a heartfelt tale about her newborn granddaughter's life-saving treatment through a skilled physician-led care team. She emphasizes the crucial role of medical training and teamwork in handling emergencies. The discussion includes how a mother's instinct can lead to timely interventions and critiques the involvement of non-physician providers in critical situations. Nelson advocates for the need for well-trained physicians, especially in rural healthcare, to ensure quality patient outcomes.

Dr. Anu Shukla, an internal medicine physician and foreign medical graduate, shares her gripping personal experiences that highlight the dangers of replacing physicians with nonphysician practitioners. She discusses the critical role of physician-led care, especially during complex medical scenarios like childbirth. The conversation touches on the challenges faced in teaching hospitals, the pitfalls of anchoring bias in diagnosis, and the ethical responsibilities involved in patient care. Ultimately, she advocates for a transparent and well-trained healthcare system to protect patient outcomes.

Investigative journalists dive into the troubling issues surrounding nurse practitioner education and its impact on patient safety. They tell a harrowing story about the consequences of inadequate training, including a tragic ectopic pregnancy. The influence of for-profit nursing programs comes under scrutiny, revealing discrepancies in educational standards. Testimonies from practitioners and patients alike call into question the quality of care provided. The backlash from the nursing community illustrates the ongoing debate over healthcare qualifications and patient outcomes.

There are an estimated 500-750 clinics across the U.S. providing infusions of Ketamine for the treatment of a variety of medical conditions. This is big business, estimated to bring in $3.1 billion per year and projected to rise to 6.9 billion by 2030.  But is Ketamine safe and effective? Psychiatrist Kristina Kise, MD discusses the use of ketamine infusions in psychiatry, including the potential dangers to patients when physicians are not directly involved in drug oversight.  PhysiciansForPatientProtection.org

Psychiatrists are increasingly being replaced by non-physician practitioners - psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) and physician assistants (PAs). This webinar explains the difference between a psychiatrist and a PMHNP and reviews the evidence regarding unsupervised care of patients with mental illness by non-physicians.Link to webinar video: https://youtu.be/djDos6xbRosContact me: PatientsAtRisk.comPhysiciansForPatientProtection.org

Physicians are encouraged to reclaim their voice in healthcare through self-ownership, countering corporate interests that jeopardize patient care. A powerful personal journey illustrates overcoming fear in medical leadership. The unique struggles of women physicians are highlighted, emphasizing the need for advocacy and support. The discussion also delves into the importance of mental health, advocating for doctors to seek help without stigma. Finally, embracing passions like content creation fosters emotional resilience.

Arthur Smolensky, MD describes his experience creating a Small Democratic Group (SDG) to take over emergency department staffing from corporate contract management groups.https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthur-smolensky-719806/PhysiciansForPatientProtection.org