While the word "provider" blankets clinicians of varying degree levels under one term, physicians should not view it as an insult, Chadi Nabhan, MD, a Chicago-based hematologist and medical oncologist, wrote in an op-ed for Medscape.
"A physician has a higher degree, and I understand that — hey, I'm a physician too," wrote Dr. Nabhan, who also serves as CMO of the Atlanta-based consulting firm Aptitude Health. "But I think we have bigger fish to fry."
In one way or another, clinicians all provide healthcare services to patients, and that makes them providers, according to Dr. Nabhan. Instead of getting hung up on the specific terminology, clinicians should focus on how they can work together to best support what really matters: their patients.
"Physicians rely on nurses. Nurses rely on physicians. We both rely on other providers," Dr. Nabhan wrote. "That's how patients benefit the most — when healthcare providers work together and don't worry about titles."
To view the full op-ed, click here.