Bridge to Nowhere
Cawley JF - A lot of discussion has taken place lately regarding so-called bridge programs for PAs. Advocates of the idea believe such educational programs would provide a PA with, let's say, five to 10 years of clinical practice experience, some amount of advanced standing (i.e., a shorter period of training) toward the MD or DO degree. Supporters note that bridge programs would provide a pathway for PAs who wish to become physicians. They contend that medical school content is similar to that of PA programs in that they are medical-model in structure and overlap in many areas. Proponents also note that such programs could help address health workforce issues in that they could be structured to require service in primary care and offer a shorter training period for the fully qualified physician. [more...]
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