Interesting!!

I'm wondering how the state medical boards will allow this. They're the ones who license PA's and they've, at least in Texas, loudly opposed any threat to their living. I just can't imagine the Texas Medical Board licensing a Doctor of Medical Science (DMS) degree PA or anyone.

What would this do to medical schools? MD with residency is 12 years, this DMS looks like about 8 school + 3 working (able to make much more salary than MD in residency). Who would do that without an expectation of a much better salary? And if that happened it would only benefit NP's. Not to mention the consequences of an anticipated drop even further in primary care MD's which would also benefit NP's.

I'm skeptical that this will ever be established. However, if it were, it would only benefit NP's.

I've always wanted to run an experiment to see if you could do med school in two years plus 3 years of residency (specialty pending) after an undergrad. Med school provides a lot of information but honestly a lot of it is lost once you enter your specialty (I've asked numerous docs). How far does that class in embryology go if you want to be an orothopedic surgeon? Yes I realize that there might be some congenital disorders that ortho fixes, but cant they learn that in residency?! I bet any money that the shortened program people perform to equal standards as the control.

PA's are also trying to get independent practice. Independent PA's with a doctorate in medical science would shake up the current medical establishment.

Several med schools are transitioning to a three year program. PA schools are usually about 28 months. The docs are medical scientists. They have a very good grounding although as another hinted at, use it or lose it. You can't retain and apply all of that information indefinitely. The benefit to the physicians is the residency. That's three plus years of guided, experiential education. They don't just go to work. There are assigned readings, conferences seminars, etc. PAs have had doctoral training options and residencies for a long time. Now, compare this to the DNP. Is there an eye roll emoticon?

Med school provides a lot of information but honestly a lot of it is lost once you enter your specialty (I've asked numerous docs). How far does that class in embryology go if you want to be an orothopedic surgeon?

I wouldn't want anyone that couldn't get an 'A' in embryology replacing my hip.

I wouldn't want anyone that couldn't get an 'A' in embryology replacing my hip.

Because a bone carpenter has to be a bookworm too? Have you ever taken embryology?

Psychguy I really respect your knowledge and comments here on allnurses, but in all do respect I believe off label was referencing capability. Because I wouldn't want anyone who couldn't get an A to cute me open, but I do agree I don't think embryology is much of a perquisite to orthopedics :)

In addition, this could work out for the best for all parties. If Phyiscian assistants can obtain independent practice through doctorate education the medical community wouldn't have much of an argument against us with our DNPs. I am all for independent practice and I will always support further education.

Psychguy I really respect your knowledge and comments here on allnurses, but in all do respect I believe off label was referencing capability. Because I wouldn't want anyone who couldn't get an A to cute me open, but I do agree I don't think embryology is much of a perquisite to orthopedics :)

Right but a capability in one subject does not dictate capability in another. I can see some correlation but I dont think they are influenced greatly in that capacity. You know what they call the med student who finishes last right? Doctor.

Very true..... I am sure there are nurses here that did better in one subject and didn't do as great in another (medsurg vs OB).

On a personal note though I do support PAs getting a doctorate if they want to. This article was interesting to read and it will be even more interesting to see where things evolve to in the future.