← Return to My oncologist uses a nurse practitioner

Discussion
wdene avatar

My oncologist uses a nurse practitioner

Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Dec 25, 2025 | Replies (37)

Comment receiving replies
Profile picture for dmatisoff @dmatisoff

Wow lots to unpack here. As a doc( not uro) I did expect more doc involvement in my case- not so much. This is a pet peave of mine. I was an interventionist ped. card. Never would I solely rely on physician extenders( sorry for the term) to explain procedures,give life changing advice etc. you get the idea. However things have radically changed in US and probably elsewhere and in my humble opinion not for the better. The best adv pract nurse or pay does NOT have nearly the trainiy nor experience as a doc, especially with super subspecialties. Unfortunately the horse has left the barn BUT you can always request the doc. If they don't comply go elsewhere. Best dnm md

Jump to this post


Replies to "Wow lots to unpack here. As a doc( not uro) I did expect more doc involvement..."

Yes I requested Dr and was treated agreeably. Next time I’m going to screen credentials of NP. If not confident afterwards will move forward to remedy care.

Thank you for your frankness. As a patient with lots of "doctor experience" I know that NPs and PAs do not have near the formal training or clinical experience that the medical doctor has. And I was seriously misdiagnosed by a PA. If they want to be a doctor, then do the work.
I have also learned that Specialists have subspecialties!
When they say you have to be your own advocate, they mean you should read your reports, check everything and make sure you are talking to the right professional.
We as a Society need to get smart and make medical school more affordable as we already have a shortage of doctors and it is forecast to only get worse