Eugene Anson Stead Jr. (October 6, 1908, in Atlanta, Georgia – June 12, 2005) is best known as a physician, medical educator, and researcher.
[2] He believed that medical school could be shortened to two years to allow for a greater deal of time as a physician and financial savings.
[2] Therefore he believed that health professionals other than a physician could learn the general skills of a doctor in a shorter amount of time.
[6] His educational philosophy placed emphasis on applying medical knowledge specifically to a patient, rather than the focus being on memorizing a large quantity of information.
[4] He wanted all PAs to be required to have mentoring relationships with physicians to ensure access to a larger body of medical knowledge.
[8] Legislation that has allowed to an expansion of the scope of practice from physician assistant's has been met with pushback from the American Medical Association, who warn of the dangers to patient safety and emphasize that PA's work best within a physician-led team.