From: Bryan C. Markinson, DPM
Dr. Borreggine's concern is legitimate but not from the perspective of the elimination of podiatry, but that the DPM degree does not allow us full scope. The step up of ancillary providers such as NPs and PAs is a natural extension of the changing environment in medicine that enables patients to get seen and still be economically solvent. There is no turning back from this.
The best approach for DPMs by far is to let every full scope nurse practitioner in your community know your availability and what you can do. Even lecture to them at their meetings. From my own personal experience, the one NP who decides to do foot care is completely outnumbered by the rest that will not. Nurse practitioners are a steady consistent source of patients in my practice.
All we have to do is show up at the dance! Attend the hospital meetings of dermatology, endocrine, vascular, etc. They will flood your office.
Bryan C. Markinson, DPM, NY, NY
