The High Status of Physicians

In my opinion an MD gives people assurance that a person is highly qualified to be trusted with your life. Definitely physicians are given a high degree of respect that is sort of granted to them upon receipt of an MD, but in my opinion it is well deserved for their knowledge and extensive years of training. Respect can be earned through different modes such as attitude, deeds, accomplishments, skills, seniority, etc. In this case, those with an MD are granted respect for what we hope should be a legitimate qualification to have say in our health. Simply, I think physicians deserve respect for having the devotion to healing and saving lives. Usually it is hard to find people that you can trust without first knowing or interacting with them. Most people don't have the time these days to look for and build up respect and credibility for every service that they seek (computer repair, hair stylists, mechanical jobs, dental work, etc). Instead we either hear from word of mouth (references) or look for certifications that can give us some assurance that the a person is knowledgeable and can be trusted. I usually don't know my doctors from a personal point, but regardless, I follow the doctor's instructions and hope they are performing service upon my best interest. However, if we do feel that physicians are sort of commanding such undeserving high levels of respect, I must say that they're not the only people to be criticized. Very often respect is thrown around for people holding certain titles, having certain positions, attending or working for certain institutions. For example, very often, when people come to know that I am a graduate student at USC I automatically earn a respect that just a few seconds earlier was not necessarily present. It feels uncomfortable when other people mention their institutions but are not automatically given the same praise and enthusiasm as when they hear prestigious school names. Don't students, professors, and researchers from many less praised institutions perform outstanding work that should also be given merit? Having said this, while I believe physicians to an extent deserve the respect they command, I do also believe that other titles in the field of health are undervalued and under-recognized in their work and service.