NP/PA Award for Workforce Expansion

Abstract The purpose of the Mentored Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant Award for Workforce Expansion is to increase the supply of rheumatology healthcare providers to better meet the needs of people with rheumatic diseases across the United States, particularly in geographically underserved areas. Kentucky is underserved for rheumatology providers. This award would provide resources and the framework of knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed by an advanced practice provider, new to rheumatology, to facilitate integration into a rheumatology practice under the supervision of a board-certified rheumatologist. This award would further enable the Division of Rheumatology to justify adding a fourth APP to the clinic, in order to meet the demand for rheumatology referrals and reduce the wait for new patient appointments.