I unfortunately have had to be in and out of medical offices and hospitals recently - and I feel like compared to 10-15 years ago practically everyone I deal with is a physician assistant. Nothing against them but it's kind of annoying that it's almost impossible to actually talk with a doctor anymore.

I get it they're probably overworked too and their time is valuable but it's not quite as reassuring not actually interacting with doctors very much. The few times I have it was literally for my actual surgeries and surgery pre-appointment. Practically everything else is some assistant.

It’s at the point where we might as well be seen by a CNA who takes blood for the blood test and have the AI assess it (you were too soon my dear Elizabeth Holmes). If we were to just measure the situation, how can we say first-level medical care got better if people are literally no longer seeing doctors?