[NPInfo] WSJ Article (Response to Marilyn Dean)

[Meg]

The DNP program is here to stay...I agree...since Advanced practice is moving to step into the primary care role...all the classes mentioned by Marilyn Dean...EKG intrep, suturing etc are all part of primary care...the semantics of "doctor" vs "doctorate" is what needs to be clarified...the DNP programs seem unbalanced with research, and not enough true clinical experience...which I think most folks seem interested in.

In the past there have been excellent studies regarding health professionals all starting out on the same footing then branching into the variety of programs...in other words..we all learn together then decide...get all the same basic studies and branch into the fields we are interested in...I believe this DNP movement is certainly representative of this concept...maybe not now but in the future (I think this is all unfolding). Health care and the training must change...and we (Advanced Practice) are in the most perfect position right now to be the next new clinician...but we need what the doctors have received...a residency in the area we desire to work in...more in depth A&P...gross anatomy and physiology...the research piece can be added...but only after the clinical part is done...(my opinion)..Meg Helgert FNP (Portland Oregon)