In Making Room in the Clinic, Julie Fairman examines the context in which the nurse practitioner movement emerged, how large political and social movements influenced it, and how it contributed to the changing definition of medical care. Drawing on primary source material, including interviews with key figures in the movement, Fairman describes how this evolution helped create an influential foundation for health policies that emerged at the end of the twentieth century, including health maintenance organizations, a renewed interest in health awareness and disease prevention, and consumer-based services.

"Oh the opportunities, the possibilities ...!" -- Following the money -- Psychology girls and clandestine groups: rethinking specialization in nursing -- Stealing the spell book -- The AMA and ANA under siege -- Coming together, breaking apart: the National Joint Practice Commission and the politics of practice -- Triangulating specialty practice: the ANA, NAPNAP, and the American Academy of Pediatrics -- Making room in the clinic.