Calling the Nurse ‘Doctor,’ a Title Physicians Oppose”

Re “Calling the Nurse ‘Doctor,’ a Title Physicians Oppose” by Gardiner Harris. Published October 1, 2011

Doctors may undergo more training and schooling than nurses but should that necessarily be linked to exclusive rights around the diagnosis of illness? This article describes concerns that the expansion of the usage of the title ‘Doctor’ will result in patient confusion and inferior treatment. However, this expansion of usage could also result in lower prestige and exclusivity for doctors. It needs to be considered whether concerns named here are too strongly linked to other factors like economic benefit and personal standing.

As a potential patient, I see the numerous options in providers as empowering and reassuring. Legislators faced with bills affecting policy changes around doctor’s terminology and position need to also consider how such changes could limit my freedom and power as a patient. They should take care to ensure any such changes are made for the benefit of the whole system of doctors and patients, and not just for individuals.

Tessa Savakus

2409 Warring St

Berkeley, CA, 94704

tessasavakus@berkeley.edu

(530)409-1453