Final answer:
The first nurse practitioner program was started by Loretta Ford, a nurse, and Henry Silver, a physician, laying the foundation for modern nurse practitioners.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first nurse practitioner program was initiated by Loretta Ford and Henry Silver. Loretta Ford was a nurse and Henry Silver was a physician, and together they started the program focusing on pediatric care. This interdisciplinary approach laid the foundation for what would become a critical role in the healthcare system, expanding the scope of nursing practice and addressing a shortage of primary care providers.