Recent calls for expanding nurse practitioner independence, while well-intentioned, risk losing sight of what is best for patients and their long-term health. It is not atypical for a medical school applicant to have 100-200 hours of hands-on and/or shadowing experience prior to starting medical school. This difference is not a criticism — it is a fact that highlights the depth of physician training to provide high quality patient care. Proponents of nurse practitioner independence argue that it will increase access to care, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Nurse practitioner independence may be well-meaning, but we must be careful not to pursue simple solutions to complex problems.