Recently, there has been some consternation among clinicians regarding the term “Provider.”  I have been referred to as a “Provider” on numerous occasions, and this broad label is often applied to my fellow Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, and Physician Assistants.

Apparently, the term “Provider” was initially spawned by Hitler in an attempt to undermine and dehumanize Jewish physicians.  I can completely understand NOT WANTING TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH NAZI NOMENCLATURE, and I think this is at least a reasonable argument in favor of dispensing the label. 

But consider this counterpoint:

The term “Christian” was initially meant to be an insult; in Acts 11:26, it was actually the enemies of the apostles who coined the term.  This pejorative label didn’t seem to bother them much, and I myself am proud to be called a Christian almost two millennia after the advent of this attempted “insult.”  Oftentimes, adversity and “name-calling” catalyze profound growth, much to the chagrin of the opposition. 

But anyway, here are some additional reasons provided in THIS EDITORIAL by a provider Physician in support of defenestrating the term:

• “It is a common courtesy to call someone what they want to be called.”
  • He/him just opened a giant can of post-modern relativistic worms with that statement.
• “Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, and Physician Assistants deserve to be referred to by their specific titles and not be lumped into ‘providers.’”
  • I respect the work that goes into becoming a physician, NP, or PA.  But what if you’re an Academic Platypus with multiple degrees?  What do you call that person? (I may know a guy…best to just call him Josh…or *gasp* a “provider.”  I bet he won’t be offended).
• “The dismissiveness implicit in the word ‘provider’ contributes to poor morale…”
  • Does your morale tank every time the Starbucks barista misspells your name on your Pumpkin Spice Latte, too?  Come on.
• “This lack of respect is a quiet driver of the growing shortage of Primary Care Physicians.”
  • If you want respect, be respectable.  Lamenting the entitlement complex of patients, which is very real and quite exhausting, doesn’t obviate your responsibility to honor your oath to “provide” for them.

And there are a few valid arguments in the remainder of the editorial, but ultimately I think this is a classic case of “majoring on the minor,” which reeks of insecurity and ego fragility.

I cherish the responsibility to provide for my family as a Father.  I relish opportunities to provide help for people with what I’ve had the privilege of learning.  Some call me Dr. Josh.  Some call me Coach. This one guy at the YMCA still thinks my name is Phil.  But ultimately, I just try to be someone who truly cares…someone you can call Friend.  Or maybe, just maybe, you have even called me your “Provider.” 

What an honor😊