Across the country, such skirmishes are increasing, as nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, psychologists and podiatrists seek more autonomy and authority and often meet opposition from physician groups.

WSJ: Battles Erupt Over Filling Doctors' Shoes

But given that most patients, especially those with low risk operations, fly through anesthesia without any complications, nurse anesthetists are able to handle most of the care without a hitch.

FORBES: Solving the Primary Care Physician Shortage by Turning PCPs into Anesthesiologists

The unique roles played by physicians, nurses, dentists, nurse anesthetists, nurse midwifes, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, podiatrists, pharmacists, paramedics, psychologists, and optometrists are well known and have clinical duties, delineated by government, associated with them.

FORBES: Sometimes The Best Medical Care Is Provided By Those Who Aren't M.D.s