Characteristics of family medicine physician associates/assistants in the United States
Introduction
The United States (U.S.) Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) defines family medicine physicians as those who “diagnose, treat, and provide preventive care to individuals and families across the lifespan” [1]. The family medicine workforce is included in the primary care workforce, along with general internal medicine and general pediatrics. According to a recent report by the Millbank Memorial Fund, the number of primary care physicians per capita is falling [2]. Over the last 10 years, the number of primary care physicians per capita has decreased from 68.7 to 67.2, the most recent low [2]. At the same time, demand for primary chronic disease care and mental health services continues to increase, leading to diminished access for patients most in need [3].