Advanced Practice Providers: Vital in Delivering Quality Healthcare

As a family physician for the past 35 years and the founder of Davidson Family Medicine, I’ve witnessed firsthand the evolution of healthcare and the critical role that Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) play in patient care and practice success. Our six APPs have been invaluable in helping us grow and succeed. And now, as part of the Alo and Avance Care family, I continue to see how APPs are vital to ensure that our communities receive high-quality, accessible healthcare.   

Patients who have benefited from the compassionate care of APPs - a broad term that includes board-certified physician assistants/associates and nurse practitioners - can attest to the admirable dedication of these professionals. 

While we strive to recognize the service of APPs each and every day, it’s especially important to acknowledge their contributions as we celebrate APP Appreciation Week, this September 23-27, 2024, sponsored by a host of healthcare organizations and led this year by the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. 

The Changing Face of Healthcare 

Healthcare has always been a dynamic industry, but the pace of change in recent years has been unprecedented. Innovations in technology, shifts in patient expectations, and the increasing emphasis on value-based care are reshaping how we deliver care. Primary care is at the forefront of this transformation. 

As demand grows for primary care services, so does the need for highly skilled clinicians who can deliver high-quality care to a diverse and increasingly complex patient population. This is a role where APPs shine. Certified PAs, NPs and other APPs are stepping up to meet the challenges of modern healthcare, providing critical support to physicians and ensuring that patients receive the care they need when they need it. 

Addressing the Growing Physician Shortage 

One of the most pressing challenges facing healthcare today is the growing shortage of physicians. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) projects that by 2034, the United States could face a shortage of up to 124,000 physicians. This shortage is particularly acute in primary care, where an aging population and the increasing prevalence of chronic conditions are driving up demand.  

As more physicians retire or reduce their hours, the role of APPs has become increasingly important. APPs are uniquely positioned to fill the gap, providing high-quality care and expanding access to services in underserved areas. They are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, to prescribe a wide range of medications, and to work autonomously or in close collaboration with physicians. In many cases, APPs are the first point of contact for patients, providing preventive care, managing chronic diseases, addressing acute health concerns, and serving as the primary clinician for a panel of patients. 

At Davidson Family Medicine and at other Alo and Avance Care practices, we recognize the critical role that APPs play in addressing the physician shortage. By integrating APPs into our care teams, we're able to extend the reach of our physicians, ensuring that more patients can receive the care they need without long wait times or limited access to services. 

Enhancing Access and Patient Convenience 

One of our core values is a commitment to access and patient convenience. We believe that healthcare should be available when and where patients need it. This is why Davidson Family Medicine and other Avance Care practices offer extended hours and weekend appointments. 

This flexibility is essential for patients who have busy schedules, who work during traditional business hours, or who require urgent care outside of regular office hours. 

Providing this level of access wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our APPs. These clinicians are often the ones who step up to cover evening and weekend shifts, ensuring that our patients can receive timely care no matter when they need it. This not only enhances patient satisfaction but also helps to reduce the strain on emergency departments by offering more accessible primary care options. 

APPs are integral to our commitment to patient-centered care. Whether it’s managing a chronic condition, providing preventive care, or addressing an acute issue, our APPs are there every step of the way, ensuring that our patients receive the highest standard of care.  

Meet Debbie Witkin, FNP – An Exceptional APP 

Debbie Witkin, FNP, is a shining example of the exceptional APPs we're fortunate to have at Davidson Family Medicine. With over fifteen years of experience at our practice, Debbie is the longest tenured of our six APPs and is the trusted primary care clinician for her own panel of patients from newborns to seniors. She goes the extra mile to provide the highest quality patient care, often calling trusted specialists herself and making very consequential decisions with a firm grasp of the latest evidence-based guidelines. Her patients adore her, and she truly cares for them! 

A Future Built on Collaboration 

As we look to the future of healthcare, the collaboration between physicians and APPs will be more important than ever. The model we’ve embraced at Alo and Avance Care—where physicians and APPs work side by side to deliver patient-centered, seamless, comprehensive care—ensures that we meet the challenges ahead. This approach not only improves the quality of care but also fosters an environment of mutual respect and professional growth.  

For physicians, working with APPs allows us to focus on highly complex cases, leadership roles, and personal growth, knowing that our patients are in skilled, capable hands. For APPs, it’s an opportunity to practice at the top of their license, contributing to the health of our communities and advancing their own professional development. 

APP Appreciation Week: A Time for Gratitude 

This September, healthcare organizations are celebrating APP Appreciation Week. At Davidson Family Medicine and at other Alo and Avance Care locations, we’ll be celebrating as well as we are grateful for our APPs and the role that they serve. Their dedication, expertise, and compassion help make our company a thriving, patient-centered organization. 

As we navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead, I’m confident that with our continued APP partnership, we will continue to provide exceptional care to our patients and communities. To our APPs, thank you for all that you do. Your work is truly appreciated, today and every day!