A Physician’s Perspective on Quality
In a recent survey, 9 in 10 Maine people said they want a physician leading their healthcare, particularly when it comes to discussing diagnoses and treatment options (Forbes Tate, January-February 2021). Jerald Hurdle, DO, a colorectal surgeon and dermatologist, emphasizes the importance of a physician’s training when it comes to making a diagnosis for a patient.
A key part of making an accurate diagnosis starts with the initial discussion with the patient and learning more about their symptoms and present illness. “If you listen to a patient, they will tell you what’s wrong,'“ says Dr. Hurdle. “But they may say one thing, when it’s really another. . . [so you need to be] trained enough to get the history and ask the correct questions. That interview skill comes from our 12 years of training.” He goes on to explain that physicians have four years of medical school, then four years of residency and training in addition to their college education. Physicians typically have considerably more education and training than others on the patient care team, and Dr. Hurdle believes this makes a significant difference in helping patients get the correct diagnosis more quickly. “That’s not trained in two years,” he says.
Dr. Hurdle recognizes the value of non-physician practitioners, such as physician assistants (PAs), especially when the demand for healthcare services is high. “I just want to say I love all my extended practitioners. We need them. There’s not enough providers, unfortunately, to take care of our patient populations, especially in rural areas like Maine.” He also emphasized the importance of ensuring that patients get the best quality of care. This is a difficult balance, and he feels that expanding scope of practice to allow non-physician practitioners to practice without physicians does not address both parts of the equation.
“Healthcare is not better because you have access to more providers. Healthcare is better when you have access to the best providers.”
Jerald Hurdle, DO, is colorectal surgeon and dermatologist in Waterville, Maine. Dr. Hurdle received his medical degree from Ohio University College of Osteopathic medicine, followed by a residency at Grandview Hospital in Dayton, OH, in family medicine and proctology. He returned to Ohio University for his fellowship. In addition to his medical training, Dr. Hurdle also earned an interdisciplinary master’s degree in Education and Business from Ohio University. He is currently the president of the ACOPR and a board member of the Maine Osteopathic Association.