Physicians Not Providers
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This episode of Annals on Call explores the ethical implications of using the term 'provider' to describe physicians, arguing that it undermines the professional identity and patient-centered relationship central to medicine. Dr. Robert McLean shares how his presidency of the American College of Physicians sparked a movement to reject the term, beginning with a symbolic pledge at a convocation ceremony that resonated deeply with colleagues. The discussion then shifts to Dr. Jan Carney of the ACP Ethics Committee, who explains how the term 'provider'—originally intended for institutions during Medicare and Medicaid's inception—has evolved into a generic label that erases the unique ethical responsibilities and training of physicians. The episode contrasts the relational, compassionate nature of the physician-patient bond with the transactional, consumer-focused connotation of 'provider,' emphasizing that medicine is not a service but a profession rooted in trust, autonomy, and lifelong learning. The Ethics Committee’s policy paper calls for reverting to the term 'physician' and using 'clinicians' or 'health professionals' for other team members, advocating for language that reflects both dignity and professional integrity.
The term 'provider' diminishes the ethical, relational, and professional depth of the physician-patient relationship.
Language shapes perception: calling physicians 'providers' promotes a transactional, market-driven view of healthcare that contradicts medical ethics.
Physicians undergo extensive training and hold unique ethical obligations—do no harm, respect autonomy, prioritize patient well-being—that are not captured by the term 'provider'.
Use 'physician' when referring to doctors and 'clinicians' or 'health professionals' for other team members to preserve professional identity and clarity.
The shift in language is not just semantic—it's a moral imperative to restore dignity, trust, and professionalism in medicine.
Introduction to the Ethical Debate on 'Provider' Terminology
The episode opens with a disclaimer and introduction to the article 'Physicians Are Not Providers' from the Annals of Internal Medicine, setting the stage for a discussion on the ethical significance of language in healthcare.
Robert McLean’s Origin Story: From Presidential Pledge to Movement
“I came up with this idea at the beginning of doing my little speech to the business meeting to ask people to stand up and take a pledge that they would not use the word provider when referring to fellow physicians.”
The Evolution and Problem with the Term 'Provider'
“It's not what physicians want and it's not what patients want. When we use terms such as provider, it deprofessionalizes us and our relationships with those patients.”
Contrasting Physician Identity with the 'Provider' Label
“Medical care is not a simple service. Contrast to think about providers or providers of groceries in a grocery store. Or if you are buying something or shopping online, that's more of a consumer transactional relationship.”
Ethical Imperatives and Recommendations from the ACP Ethics Committee
The Ethics Committee’s key findings emphasize that 'physician' and 'provider' are not synonymous, and that using the correct terminology preserves professional integrity, patient trust, and ethical responsibility.
“It's not what physicians want and it's not what patients want. When we use terms such as provider, it deprofessionalizes us and our relationships with those patients.”
“Medical care is not a simple service. Contrast to think about providers or providers of groceries in a grocery store. Or if you are buying something or shopping online, that's more of a consumer transactional relationship.”
“I came up with this idea at the beginning of doing my little speech to the business meeting to ask people to stand up and take a pledge that they would not use the word provider when referring to fellow physicians.”
Host
Guests
American College of Physicians
organization
Robert McLean
person
Jan Carney
person
ACP Ethics Committee
other
Annals of Internal Medicine
other
Bob Centaur
person
Nurse Practitioners
other
Physician Assistants
other
Medicare
other
Medicaid
other
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