Letter: Fill void with nurse practitioners
Winthrop-University Hospital is holding a mini-med school adult education program consisting of five classes on five consecutive Wednesdays beginning next week. Each class centers on parts of the body and how they work. Credit: Bloomberg News
Regarding "Not enough doctors" [News, Feb. 17], I am a nurse practitioner who has been in practice since 2002. The article refers to a "national, regional and local shortage of primary care physicians."
Many of my friends and family opt to see a nurse practitioner for their medical needs. In New York, there is an initiative to allow certified nurse practitioners to practice without a collaborative licensed physician. Many states have enacted this already. We should be proactive, not reactive, before the physician shortage worsens.
Diana D'Anna, Holtsville
