President's Message
President's Message
A front
By Deb Moss
Have you noticed the creep of negative, war-like language often used now to describe physicians, especially when referring to primary care physicians? Terms like “frontline” providers or working “in the trenches”, verbs like “slogging through” to describe a day’s work, to depict what it looks or feels like to try to meet the unending onslaught of demands placed on physicians these days.
I’ve started to wonder if it’s worth trying to shift the language we use to (re)elevate the description of the work we do, to match what it is we really do – sacred, privileged work. We are responsible for life and death matters; we are allowed a window into peoples’ lives and in return uphold an oath of confidentiality, justice, and unwavering service. In fact, next week, many medical schools will be conducting the white coat ceremony, when first year medical students will recite the Hippocratic oath as they are inducted into the profession.
Ours is a hallowed profession, based on the time-honored doctor-patient relationship. When was the last time you heard those terms used?
Since language influences attitudes and behavior, changes in cultural norms often begin with changes in language (think ‘mailperson’ rather than mailman during the women’s movement, or ‘tobacco smoke pollution’ rather than ‘environmental tobacco smoke’ to reflect the adverse health consequences of second hand smoke exposure). What words could be used or introduced that would promote better understanding—and create more positive imagery-- of physicians and the care we deliver?
I’m favoring “trusted physician” as a replacement term but am most interested in your ideas. Perhaps this critical re-framing will start here in PA! As always, Annette and I can be reached by email at amyarick@paaap.org or Deborah.moss@chp.edu and look forward to hearing from you.
Deborah Moss, MD, MPH, FAAP
President 2018-2020
A front
By Deb Moss
Have you noticed the creep of negative, war-like language often used now to describe physicians, especially when referring to primary care physicians? Terms like “frontline” providers or working “in the trenches”, verbs like “slogging through” to describe a day’s work, to depict what it looks or feels like to try to meet the unending onslaught of demands placed on physicians these days.
I’ve started to wonder if it’s worth trying to shift the language we use to (re)elevate the description of the work we do, to match what it is we really do – sacred, privileged work. We are responsible for life and death matters; we are allowed a window into peoples’ lives and in return uphold an oath of confidentiality, justice, and unwavering service. In fact, next week, many medical schools will be conducting the white coat ceremony, when first year medical students will recite the Hippocratic oath as they are inducted into the profession.
Ours is a hallowed profession, based on the time-honored doctor-patient relationship. When was the last time you heard those terms used?
Since language influences attitudes and behavior, changes in cultural norms often begin with changes in language (think ‘mailperson’ rather than mailman during the women’s movement, or ‘tobacco smoke pollution’ rather than ‘environmental tobacco smoke’ to reflect the adverse health consequences of second hand smoke exposure). What words could be used or introduced that would promote better understanding—and create more positive imagery-- of physicians and the care we deliver?
I’m favoring “trusted physician” as a replacement term but am most interested in your ideas. Perhaps this critical re-framing will start here in PA! As always, Annette and I can be reached by email at amyarick@paaap.org or Deborah.moss@chp.edu and look forward to hearing from you.
Deborah Moss, MD, MPH, FAAP
President 2018-2020