From Grassroots Beginnings to a National Voice for Physician-Led Care
Our story reflects the power of organized physicians united by purpose.
What began as a small grassroots group of advocates evolved into a national movement recognized by the AMA, state medical associations, the media, and legislators for its evidence-based advocacy.
From raising awareness to drafting model language and testifying about legislation, thousands of physicians across specialties work under one banner to ensure physician-led care for all patients.
How We Started – The Birth of a Movement (2018)
Grassroots Origins
We began as a small online community of physicians alarmed by the growing trend of non-physician practitioners being granted the right to practice medicine without physician supervision, solely through policymakers rather than equivalent education or training.
What started as social media discussions among concerned doctors —many of them frontline family medicine doctors, anesthesiologists, and emergency physicians—quickly evolved into an organized effort to raise public awareness and ensure truth and transparency in healthcare.
Founding Moment
In 2018, we were formally established as a 501(c)(4) organization. Our founding physicians recognized that legislators, media, and even patients were being misled about the equivalence of training between physicians and non-physician providers.
Their shared mission:
“To protect patients and preserve physician-led care through education, advocacy, and empowerment.”
Early Core Goals
- Educate the public on the difference in training and expertise between physicians and non-physicians.
- Educate about policies that prioritize patient safety and transparency.
- Support physicians facing professional or regulatory threats to physician-led care.
Early Action and Major Milestones (2018–2022)
2018 – Building Awareness and Infrastructure
Our first initiatives focused on building a physician network, establishing an educational website, and creating social media content to dispel myths about NPP “independent practice.”
Early videos, infographics, and grassroots legislative alerts gained rapid traction.
2019 – National Expansion and Media Engagement
We grew from a volunteer-run organization to hiring an experienced Executive Director to oversee operations, manage administration, and assist the board.
PPP leaders began testifying at state legislative hearings, publishing op-eds, and hosting educational panels at medical meetings.
The book, Patients at Risk: The Rise of the Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant in Medicine (Bernard & Al-Agba), co-authored by PPP founding members, amplified the organization’s visibility nationwide.
Following the book’s release, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) issued a press release condemning PPP and accusing the group of promoting “conspiracy theories.” However, WGN NewsNation Now conducted an investigative exposé challenging the AANP’s claims, directly questioning the AANP president and referencing data from Patients at Risk that validated PPP’s concerns.
2020 – Advocacy and Research Leadership
PPP began a comprehensive, evidence-based review of studies often cited to justify unsupervised practice, and found none of the data studied independent practice or supported equivalency claims.
We began collaborating with the American Medical Association (AMA) and the Scope of Practice Partnership (SOPP) to strengthen unified advocacy.
2021 – Educational Outreach and Media Presence
We launched the Patients at Risk podcast and video series to educate both physicians and the public.
PPP leaders appeared on national media outlets, providing expert commentary on healthcare policy and scope of practice.
We developed online educational modules and advocacy toolkits for physicians.
2022 – Legislative Successes and Coalition Building
Physician supporters helped secure passage of Georgia’s Truth and Transparency in Healthcare Law, a landmark requiring clear identification of professional credentials.
We formalized a leadership structure with a board, regional representatives, and committees.
We publicly opposed the American Academy of PAs (AAPA) decision to change the professional title from physician assistant to physician associate, citing AMA survey data showing this terminology confuses patients. In response, AAPA and AANP leaders issued statements accusing PPP of not being “team players”—further reinforcing PPP’s commitment to putting patient clarity and safety above politics.
Transformation into a National Voice (2023–Present)
2023 – From Awareness to Action
We evolved from a reactive educational network to a proactive education force.
- Expanded its reach to thousands of physicians, students, and allies nationwide.
- Supported new research and stories gathered, which led to the publication of Imposter Doctors: Patients at Risk, the sequel to Patients at Risk, incorporating new research and stories gathered from PPP’s podcast and national media appearances.
- Continued and expanded engagement and support for “truth and transparency” laws nationwide.
- Changed its legal status to a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization to promote its educational objectives and allow tax-deductible donations from all supporters including the public.
- Established formal fundraising mechanisms to support work in education and research.
2024 – Strengthening the Message and Partnerships
- Collaborated with media, legislators, and allied organizations to advance physician-led care nationally.
- Launched targeted social media and educational campaigns to combat misinformation about “provider equivalence.”
- Developed CME-accredited programs and advocacy training workshops.
2025 – The Next Phase: Empowering a Generation of Physician Advocates
- Organizing national and regional “Hill Days” to bring physicians directly to policymakers and empowering doctors to testify at State legislatures
- Building scholarship and mentorship programs to train young physicians in advocacy.
- Expanding research, publications, and public-facing initiatives on patient-safety outcomes
- Continuing to amplify the physician voice through op-eds, podcasts, and conferences.
- Engaging a wider audience – starting with creating a Patient Protection Advisory Group to engage members of the public and other professions impacted by nonphysicians practicing medicine without supervision.
- Inspiring the creation of other independent organizations that use PPP educational and outreach resources.
Looking Ahead
We continue to grow as a trusted, evidence-driven voice for patients and physicians.
Our Vision and Mission are clear:
We envision a nation where physician-led care is the standard for all.
To preserve physician-led care through education, transparency, and research