It can't be just me that thinks this, but I'm surprised that there hasn't been an uprising from an all too nonchalant citizenry, and from doctors themselves, over the term "provider."
I once read an article by a doctor with maybe the semblance of heartburn over this issue, gone, buried, as we accept another doublespeak, neutered term into the lexicon. The creep of lazy language - why does it take root, and why no resistance?
Doctors go to school for years and years to earn their credentials and a title to boot. Somewhere I have a USA Today poll clipped that listed America's top five professions: doctor, firefighter, teacher, clergy, military officer. (Note: lawyer didn't make the cut.) My father grew up in the medical "old school," a harsher time unknown to you and me. He made housecalls, travelled by foot, performed emergency and routine surgeries, was the doctor to five railroads, and served as a medical officer to the Coast Guard.
So today, we have large-scale health organizations that train every schlub or policy wonk answering phones to lump everyone as a "provider." Nameless, faceless, provider.
Doctors are entitled to better and should insist on being called "Doctor."
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