Deborah Milam, PA-C

I have disagreed with the entire recertification process from the beginning. The exams are horrific and do not test the material I use in practice. I am a PA but like the NP model of an initial exam followed by recertification with appropriate CMEs. Retesting every six or 10 years is impossible, unless they want to develop a test for every specialty—which is crazy, as PAs change fields often.

I think we are making a simple process way too hard, time consuming, and expensive. I am rather disgusted with our profession and wish we spent the money and effort in the political arena, equalizing the PA and NP professions. I think if someone is a lazy, dangerous practicing PA (or NP, for that matter), he or she will be weeded out by any employer rather quickly.

In my opinion, the NCCPA can't seem to get the big picture. The organization is bogged down in details, making everything difficult, and ignoring the important issues. As a veteran PA, I am grateful I am nearing the end of my professional life, because of the poor leadership and lack of insight in our profession. Most of the time, simplicity and basic common sense work very well.

Deborah Milam, PA-C
Tifton, GA

FOR MORE LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:
A Learning Experience but Not an Impediment
A Vote in Favor of New Model
Recertification: The NPs Have the Right Idea
Should Exams Be More Hands-on?

I have disagreed with the entire recertification process from the beginning. The exams are horrific and do not test the material I use in practice. I am a PA but like the NP model of an initial exam followed by recertification with appropriate CMEs. Retesting every six or 10 years is impossible, unless they want to develop a test for every specialty—which is crazy, as PAs change fields often.

I think we are making a simple process way too hard, time consuming, and expensive. I am rather disgusted with our profession and wish we spent the money and effort in the political arena, equalizing the PA and NP professions. I think if someone is a lazy, dangerous practicing PA (or NP, for that matter), he or she will be weeded out by any employer rather quickly.

In my opinion, the NCCPA can't seem to get the big picture. The organization is bogged down in details, making everything difficult, and ignoring the important issues. As a veteran PA, I am grateful I am nearing the end of my professional life, because of the poor leadership and lack of insight in our profession. Most of the time, simplicity and basic common sense work very well.

Deborah Milam, PA-C
Tifton, GA

FOR MORE LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:
A Learning Experience but Not an Impediment
A Vote in Favor of New Model
Recertification: The NPs Have the Right Idea
Should Exams Be More Hands-on?

I have disagreed with the entire recertification process from the beginning. The exams are horrific and do not test the material I use in practice. I am a PA but like the NP model of an initial exam followed by recertification with appropriate CMEs. Retesting every six or 10 years is impossible, unless they want to develop a test for every specialty—which is crazy, as PAs change fields often.

I think we are making a simple process way too hard, time consuming, and expensive. I am rather disgusted with our profession and wish we spent the money and effort in the political arena, equalizing the PA and NP professions. I think if someone is a lazy, dangerous practicing PA (or NP, for that matter), he or she will be weeded out by any employer rather quickly.

In my opinion, the NCCPA can't seem to get the big picture. The organization is bogged down in details, making everything difficult, and ignoring the important issues. As a veteran PA, I am grateful I am nearing the end of my professional life, because of the poor leadership and lack of insight in our profession. Most of the time, simplicity and basic common sense work very well.

Deborah Milam, PA-C
Tifton, GA

FOR MORE LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:
A Learning Experience but Not an Impediment
A Vote in Favor of New Model
Recertification: The NPs Have the Right Idea
Should Exams Be More Hands-on?