Comparative Analysis of Medical School and Physician Assistant Education and the Use of Provisional Licenses

The current shortage of physicians in the United States has prompted a reevaluation of medical education and licensure pathways. This paper analyzes medical school and physician assistant education, highlighting the differences in training, clinical experience, and licensing requirements. Additionally, the paper explores the emerging role of postgraduate licensure (PGL) programs, which allow unmatched medical graduates to obtain provisional licenses and practice under attending physician supervision. Through this analysis, we assert that medical graduates are underutilized assets in addressing the healthcare workforce deficit with PGL programs as a viable solution to alleviate physician shortages, particularly in primary care.