playing devil's advocate?

An MD commands a certain amount of respect

I believe that having an MD automatically commands a sense of place. An MD defines what everyone else has already said. It holds connotative values related to education, socio-economic status, dedication, commitment, and passion for health care. In some cases, MDs are very deserving of their status in society, but in other cases, the status that they hold only attracts the wrong physicians. This results in the problem that public health advocates face today; health disparities in all areas of life.

Why do they command such a high level of respect? Is it due to their training or their commitment to healing?

An MD can save a person’s life; something everyone values. That’s it. It’s not their education or their sense of commitment because even amongst MDs, there’s a hierarchy based on specialization.

Why isn't this respect given to nurses or physician assistants?

It’s all about power and an MD overpowers the nurse and/or a PA.

Or to teachers or public health professionals?

“Those who can, DO
Those who can’t, TEACH”
Unfortunately, this quote is famous throughout the nation. If only people realized that life can be affected in more ways than just physiology because “public health is everywhere” and we see that education is a large contributor to health status. Again, it’s society’s measure of power.

Is this high status deserved?
The commitment to what comes with and MD training is what deserves respect and admiration, but not by distorting the dedication of those professionals that are also advocates to the quality of life. There are quite a number of physicians that are definitely in the wrong field due to their lack of understanding of health disparities. I feel that they can be respected for their hard work during medical school, but I cannot hold them above other health advocates simply because they hold an MD.