Physician Status

It goes without saying that physicians do command a certain amount of respect throughout the healthcare community and society as a whole. The reason behind this, however, is not so clear. I think it is easy to say that years of higher education and difficult clinical rotations, long hours, and dealing with potentially traumatic cases "earn" them the respect and regard that they hold (and I feel that it does, to a certain degree), however there is also the notion that society has always held doctors in a high regard because they are a necessary part of our communities. Of course, when a position such as that of a physician becomes "indispensable" it can be difficult for the members of the profession to maintain perspective and not get lost in the amount of control and power they hold in the workplace. We can see ideas like this illustrated in everyday life (e.g. "the doctor knows best"), which further promote the mentality that a physician should always have the final say in a case.

It is interesting (and unfortunate) that other healthcare professionals and teachers do not always receive the same amount of respect and credibility in the work place, even though they are often the ones who deal with patients on a more personal level. Again, the notions of years of training and decision-making status come into play, and society has a set attitude in regards to how it perceives various professions and the levels of prestige associated with them. Unfortunately, many professionals are not always given the amount of respect and prestige they deserve.