Military physicians lost the battle with CRNAs 20 years ago. Many of us sounded the alarm, but the ASA and VA
leadership didn't care, because it didn't affect their income in the slightest...and they thought that it would never happen
in the civilian/VA world...
What makes anyone think it will be any different with independent practice of NPs, PAs, APAs, AAPAs, AAAPAs, etc.?
Why not just cut out the middleman and tell the active duty troop in 2030: "OK, the AI says you have appendicitis.
Now, log on to the Joint Service Health Care Portal and click on 'self-serve appendectomy video'. You will need
a sharp knife and some alcohol, both to disinfect your belly and to drink as the sole anesthetic..."
Extra bonus: the service member can't sue themselves for malpractice! Plus, there will be more money to pay
DoD contractors and foreign countries if your active-duty headcount is "right-sized" a bit due to patient
empowerment, without the need for expensive, whiny physicians.