By Dr. Anthony J. Cerone Jr. There is an interesting phenomena going on in medicine. It may relate to a change in society as a whole as things have gotten more casual in many aspects. Some refer to this as "the blurring of casual and corporate." A lot of formalities in medicine have fallen by the wayside. It is...
By Dr. Anthony J. Cerone Jr.
There is an interesting phenomena going on in medicine. It may relate to a change in society as a whole as things have gotten more casual in many aspects.
Dr. Anthony J. Cerone Jr.Some refer to this as "the blurring of casual and corporate." A lot of formalities in medicine have fallen by the wayside. It is not unusual to see a doctor walk into a patient's room in jeans, collarless shirt, and the latest Nike sneakers without socks.
In addition to this, many people are no longer addressing a doctor with the title of "doctor." It seems that the rules of engagement in the 21st century have changed. Many patients simply refer to a doctor by his first name or as a compromise, "Doc" or "Dr. (first name) is used.
I was shocked to find out that to a large degree this is encouraged by our younger generation of doctors and residents. Recently I discussed this with our urology residents at Kennedy hospital and found out that often they introduce themselves to a patient on a first name basis. Oddly enough, they address their trainers, including myself, as "Doctor."
There is one school of thought against this, arguing that a doctor/patient relationship is not a personal relationship. A doctor is not going to play golf or go to dinner with his patients. The title of "doctor," or any title, commands a certain degree of respect and recognition that the doctor and patient are not entirely equal. Stringent professional boundaries must be maintained that is reinforced by being addressed as doctor.
Others argue more practical aspects in using the doctor's first name such as making the patient more comfortable and at ease, and helping the patient to make decisions for themselves in an uninhibited manner. Sometimes you have to be a friend and the doctor.
Finally, some note that each doctor/patient relationship is different and must be judged individually. What the doctor and patient call each other is a product of age, gender and advanced degrees.
In essence, there is no rule as to what is right or wrong. Perhaps the best advice in addressing this dilemma is to spell out the ground rules upfront upon introduction. The doctor should tell the patient what they prefer to be called and vice versa. In the final analysis, perhaps the question should be asked "what's most respectful?"
Personally, I was never called by my first name by a patient I was treating and would not encourage it. Then again, I am 63 years old and belong to an earlier era, with a more conservative background and upbringing as compared to the younger generation today. In fact, out of respect, I still address older doctors, particularly those who I trained under that are still alive, as "doctor."
On the other hand, I always approached my patients informally as if they were family or friends that I had known for years. For the most part, my patients called me "doc" which worked very well during my 30 years in patient care.
Times sure are changing. Please have a happy and healthy 2016.
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Dr. Anthony Cerone is a semiretired urologist and a Clayton resident. His articles appear monthly and deal with health care issues. You can reach Dr. Cerone at amcerone@verizon.net with any question or topic you would like him to cover.
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