Letters to the Editor - Feb. 21, 2005

Nonphysicians do not have the training to warrant prescribing rights - Don't lump podiatrists in with others when discussing scope of practice

Nonphysicians do not have the training to warrant prescribing rights

Regarding "Nonphysicians eager to pick up the prescription pad" (Article, Feb. 7): This is a deeply concerning matter for me.

I have invested a great deal of time and financial hardships into my education to gain a thorough understanding of the human body and how it is affected by pharmacological treatments. The thought of other professionals who have not had that training gaining the right to write prescriptions is rather scary.

Physicians have an understanding of human physiology and pharmacology. Psychologists and other professionals might not have that training, and until they do, they should not be permitted to prescribe.

I hope that the general public and our legislators will not be swayed to think otherwise. I will stand by my colleagues and the AMA to resist any attempt to expand the scope of prescription rights beyond fully trained and licensed physicians.

--Carl Hoegerl, DO, Farmingville, N.Y.

Don't lump podiatrists in with others when discussing scope of practice

Regarding "Nonphysicians eager to pick up the prescription pad" (AMNews, Feb. 7) I believe that doctors of podiatric medicine have not as much sought to expand their scope of practice as to clarify their role in patient care.

With coalition support from various medical associations, the laws governing the practice of modern podiatric medicine and surgery have been updated to accurately reflect the thorough and extensive education and postdoctoral (residency) training of the podiatrist.

The MD/DO communities have readily utilized podiatric care to the fullest extent including trauma, reconstructive, diabetic, preventive and advanced wound care involvements in office, inpatient acute care and outpatient hospital environs largely without outmoded and inaccurate discrimination.

More "DPMs" are hired to practice within orthopedic groups and multispecialty organizations than ever before because their value to patient care is evident.

The podiatrist is an integral part of the mainstream medical community, recognized by the military and Medicare as physician and surgeon, and should not be compared to the naturopath or other nonstandard practitioner.

--Neil H. Hecht, DPM, Sherman Oaks, Calif.