The role of the local health officer--why not a nurse?

Examination of the role of the public health officer indicates that registered nurses with a master's degree in public health have, in many cases, more training and experience than physicians to function effectively in this role. It is suggested that, give the current physician shortage, the changes in scope of public health practices, and the use of other professionals capable of fulfilling the role, the selection of physicians as local health officers should be viewed as only one of several alternatives.