Rheumatology and NPs/PAs in Local Practice Models
There seem to be regional differences in how rheumatologists view nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs). I became an NP with a singular reason: to work in rheumatology. I spent five years working for our local state university; immersed in rheumatology, attending grand rounds, journal clubs, visiting lecturers’ presentations, and study sessions for fellows while working full time in clinical trials and half of that time attending school for a family nurse practitioner degree. Now that I have been board certified for more than two years I still cannot get a local position in rheumatology. It is frustrating and disillusioning. I continue to be a member of ARHP and read as many articles/studies/updates as I can avail myself of, but I practice in another specialty. It appears the local practice model doesn’t, for the most part, include NP/PA participation. I hope the exposure in The Rheumatologist motivates locals to consider us in their practices.
Rheumatology-focused FNP-BC
Arizona
Family Connections
Dear Dr. Panush:
I saw your piece on the Yentl Syndrome revisited. I enjoyed it immensely, and I thought I would tell you that the reference by Lo Sasso et al was written by my son-in-low (Lo Sasso) and my daughter, Susan, the fourth author. And, what is more, the Lo Sasso article references a paper co-authored by my son, Andrew.
Donald Gerber, MD
Professor of Clinical Medicine
SUNY Downstate Medical Center
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Dr. Panush Responds:
Thanks for writing. I always appreciate comments about what I write, especially complimentary ones! Thanks, too, for telling me about the family connection to the papers.
Richard S. Panush, MD
Professor of Medicine
Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine
Keck School of Medicine
University of Southern California, Los Angeles