FAPR, OTP, Title Change... what does it all mean? What does it mean to physicians?

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Subject: FAPR, OTP, Title Change... what does it all mean? What does it mean to physicians?

Abused, vilified, taken for granted, unable to own property, but trusted to clean, to cook, teach and care for the young. Able to have employment, but all your earnings must first go to the partner, and you can only work in his name. In fact society will not pay you, without the permission of the partner. You are limited to doing only what the partner can do, regardless of your interests, or your experience, or the skills gained in work with other partners. Less than a citizen in the eyes of the state, without a vote or a voice, and not "responsible" for your actions. And…paid less for the work you do. And the only name or title you can use, is your partners name' with one distinction; that you are your partners "assistant."

Welcome to the 21st century PA suffrage movement.

FPAR turned OTP- and the title change… Yes, it is modernization- but not just about markets and access- it's a cultural movement.

It's not a revolution for independence, although there have been abuses, and for those in a "bad partnership" or who can't find a willing "partner" they ARE looking for more independence.

Don't worry, there is no jeering, blood thirsty crowds feeding the gallows or a guillotine (easy there, put those pitch forks down Jamie)

It is not a secession, though it is good for a life partner to have a separate identity, it's just psychologically healthy, and makes for a better marriage.

It's not a hostile takeover- but it will result in more opportunities for the "workers" to work, and for patients to get care.

It is nearly, but…not an emancipation, for this was a self-imposed and "civil" slavery, nothing like what our black, Asian and American Indian brothers and sisters endured.

It is time.

Just because PAs want to use their own title, want be paid at the same rate for the work they do, to have the same rights in the eyes of the law and occasionally own property (run a practice), does not mean PAs want to be SINGLE. Does it mean they do not value the partnership, NO.

Does it mean they are not committed to teamwork with physicians, NO. Does it mean that PAs do not admire and respect their physicians, or enjoy teaching and rearing young, NO. Does it mean don't like cooking or house work, well maybe, but some of us don't mind it.

They just want to be treated like an adult, in person, and in the law.

It has long troubled me, what to call this evolving cultural revolution- and I think it may be troubling to some of our physician partners- I hope this helps.

Wake up my friends, this is a suffrage movement.

I would ask you kind-hearted and hardworking physicians, do you really want a dependent partner? Were you hoping that someday they would not need their handheld? Do you want a partner that can think for themselves and brings "extra" skills to the team? If PAs change their title, if they take responsibility for their own care, does that diminish what you have done, and who you are in some significant way? Why? Have you looked at your state's laws? Have you seen how they oppress your partner's ability to do the work they love, helping sick people, Helping people stay healthy? What are you afraid of? If you should unexpectedly grow ill and couldn't work, or die- what do you think will happen to "your" PA? How will they be able to provide for themselves if you are gone? what will become of your patients? Think about it. Really think about it- and then help testify with us this year before our legislators. Because you are committed to this partnership, because you care about PAs, we care about our physician partners, and we both put patients first.
Good partners stand up for one another, defend each other, help each other, respect one another. TRUST one another.

The efforts from organized medicine to suppress these legislative efforts in our country are akin to an abusive husband taking their wife to court, and suing her for ASKING to be treated like a real person.

From a therapeutic stand point... if I may say so, this is not a good way to stay married.

I know many physicians are reluctant to stand up against their own organizations- but I very much hope there will be some who will see this for what it is and stand with us.

Dr. Tim McCreary DMSc, MMS PA-C Psych CAQ

President, Utah Academy of PAs

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