Chart: Doctors top health care providers in education and training

In recent years, many different types of non-physician clinicians have sought to practice medicine independently of physicians, despite the fact that doctor training requirements are significantly more rigorous and comprehensive.

So far this year, the AOA helped defeat scope-of-practice expansion efforts in Indiana, Hawaii and New Hampshire. The AOA opposes any legislation or regulations that would authorize the independent practice of medicine by an individual who has not completed the state’s requirements for physician licensure.

Non-physician clinicians are highly skilled professionals who are essential to the the health care system. Their education and training are not equal to that required for fully licensed physicians, and the AOA supports their work in physician-led health care teams. The chart below shows the stark contrast between doctor training requirements and those of other health care professionals.

Further reading:

4 recent scope of practice wins for DOs in Indiana, Hawaii and New Hampshire

Scope of practice update: New HHS report promotes expansion for nonphysician providers

DOs help defeat bills that seek to cut doctors out of health care