Who was the first individual to propose the concept of mid-level practitioners in healthcare?

The proposal of mid-level practitioners in healthcare is attributed to Dr. Charles Hudson. In the 1960s, he advocated for the development of a new category of healthcare providers who could help meet the growing demand for medical services. Hudson envisioned a model where these practitioners would work alongside physicians to extend care, particularly in underserved areas. His ideas were pivotal in shaping what would eventually evolve into the physician assistant (PA) profession, as they outlined a need for trained professionals who could alleviate some of the burden on physicians while maintaining a high standard of care. This foundational concept significantly influenced healthcare delivery models and the subsequent acceptance of PAs into the medical workforce.