The Importance of Honesty in Healthcare: Why Physician Assistants Should Not Call Themselves 'Doctor'

In the healthcare industry, clarity and honesty are paramount. This is especially true for physician assistants, who often find themselves in a position that could mislead patients. While it may be tempting for physician assistants to call themselves 'Doctor' to convey a certain level of expertise, this practice can create confusion and trust issues that should be avoided at all costs.

The Distinction Between Masters Degrees and Doctoral Degrees

By definition, a master's degree is not the same as a doctoral degree. A master's degree is a higher-level academic qualification, often requiring the completion of advanced coursework and a thesis. It does not grant the holder the right to use the title "doctor." On the other hand, a doctoral degree is a terminal degree that typically requires original research, defense of a dissertation, and years of rigorous study. Obtaining this degree is the gold standard that allows healthcare providers to call themselves "doctor."

It is possible for both physician assistants and nurse practitioners, who typically obtain master's degrees, to pursue and obtain doctoral degrees in their respective fields. However, in the United States, there is a unique situation where the title "doctor" is often conflated with the role of a physician. This is a critical distinction that must be maintained to ensure patient safety and transparency.

The Healthcare Reality: Physician Assistants and the Misleading Title

Physician assistants are trained medical professionals who work closely with physicians, providing care, diagnosing conditions, and managing treatment plans under the supervision of a licensed physician. Though they play a vital role in healthcare delivery, they are not licensed physicians themselves. Representing themselves as such can potentially mislead patients and violate ethical standards.

The title "Doctor Smith" could reasonably cause a patient to think that the physician assistant is a licensed physician. This misconception can have serious consequences, from inappropriate expectations to trust issues that could impact the quality of care a patient receives. To avoid this, most physician assistants with doctoral degrees choose not to use the title "doctor" when interacting with patients.

Best Practices for Physician Assistants

To maintain the highest standards of patient care and trust, physician assistants should avoid using titles that may confuse or mislead patients. Instead, they should use professional titles that accurately reflect their qualifications and roles. This can include "physician assistant," "PA-C" (Certified Physician Assistant), or "CPA" (Clinical Provider Assistant).

Additionally, physician assistants should be clear about their roles and responsibilities in any written or verbal communication with patients. It is important to ensure that patients understand the care providers involved in their treatment and the respective qualifications and responsibilities of each individual.

Conclusion

While a physician assistant with a doctoral degree may feel the urge to adopt the title "doctor," doing so can lead to unnecessary confusion and diminish the trust that patients should rightfully have in their healthcare providers. Maintaining clear and honest communication is crucial in the healthcare field, and using appropriate professional titles is a small but significant step in ensuring that patients receive the care and information they need.