[Golfer222]

As a physician, I have worked with many PAs and NPs. Some are very good and some are very bad. But even the best are not even close to a physician. They lack the rigorous training ( both didactic and clinical) required to be a doctor. I did 4 years of medical school, 3 years of residency and 4 years of fellowship to subspecialize.
Even the most simple symptoms requires a differential diagnosis to exclude rare diseases. This is where I see the most difference. Most Pas and NPs will think of the top couple of diagnoses ( which are usually correct) but fail to exclude more rare causes, which can be fatal if not recognized. Essentially, they do not know what they do not know. Most URIs leave the office with a z-pack and a medrol dose pack , even though it is a viral illness. For any medical appointment I have, I always request a physician. If the office says I have to see a PA/NP, I politely decline and look elsewhere. Just my 2 cents from being in the trenches