AAEM and AAEM/RSA Position Statement on Emergency Medicine Training Programs for Non-Physician Practitioners

The American Academy of Emergency Medicine (AAEM) and the AAEM Resident and Student Association (AAEM/RSA) are aware that academic and other emergency departments sponsor additional training for non-physician practitioners (NPP), including physician assistants (PA) and nurse practitioners (NP). We believe the following is in the best interest of the patient and our specialty.

Such programs:

1. Must be clear to the public by prohibiting the use of the following terms: doctor, intern, internship, resident, residency, fellow, and fellowship. The recommended term is postgraduate training program.
2. Must be structured, intended and advertised as to prepare its participants to practice only as members of a physician-led team.
3. Must not interfere with the educational opportunities of emergency medicine residents and medical students. Potential detriment to resident and student education must be monitored in a comprehensive and meaningful way throughout the existence of the NPP program.
4. Must be initiated with the consultation and approval of the emergency medicine residents and physician faculty.

Approved: February 26, 2020

Updated: September 1, 2020