There is a real physician shortage. In fact, a recent Harris poll found that the average wait time to get an appointment is 3.9 weeks! The solution is to optimize NP and PA roles! SullivanCotter's Amy McConachie Noecker, Jaime Lough, Lacey Buckler, and Zachary Hartsell DHA, FACHE recently contributed to an important case study in the Journal of the American Academy of Physician Associates (JAAPA) about improving patient access in an academic medical center. This includes a study of three specialty areas – Cardiology, Hospital Medicine, and Oncology – and outlines how the organization was able to expand patient access while also increasing revenue through a more holistic care model design. Now’s the time to rethink workforce models and empower APPs to work at the full scope of their license. This is why when I started as an NP in 2009, the ratio of NP-to-population was 1:3220. Today, 16 years later, that ratio has drastically changed to 1:830. Even though the US population has increased, the number of NP's today has increased to meet the demands of our society. Therefore, the NP role that Dr. Loretta Ford envisioned, is working and has gained traction!