“Whenever a physician or a nurse was called a” provider” and whenever a patient was called a” consumer” one more angel died. When all the angels were dead, we would be left with a totally dehumanized health care system.” Rashi Fein, PhD. NEJM Vol 306, # 14,863-864
Not too long ago, doctors were considered some of the most revered and trusted figures in society—figures to whom people entrusted their health and even their lives. In many cultures, physicians were viewed as almost godlike, given their immense responsibility and the critical role they played in shaping life and death. But today, many doctors are referred to as “providers,” a term that strips away the respect and reverence once given to them. Instead of healers, they have become cogs in the massive machine of healthcare.
So, what happened? How did the medical profession go from being a deeply respected calling to being treated like any other service industry job? What does this shift mean for doctors and patients, and how can we restore the respect that doctors once enjoyed?
The Golden Age of Medicine: Doctors as Healers
Historically, doctors have held an esteemed role in society. The word doctor comes from the Latin docere, meaning “to teach,” and throughout history, physicians were viewed as educators of both body and mind. They didn’t just cure disease; they provided guidance on living a healthy life, preventing illness, and promoting mental well-being. In the past, doctors were seen as moral figures—people who were deeply committed to their patients, and often considered part of the family.
In the early 20th century and before, doctors were often highly respected individuals. They were not just viewed as professionals—they were regarded as trustworthy advisors who could guide individuals through the most vulnerable and critical moments of their lives. Healthcare was much less accessible back then, and patients depended on their physicians not only for medical expertise but also for compassion and wisdom. People didn’t just visit doctors—they trusted them with their well-being.
The Shift: Healthcare Becomes a Business
However, after World War II, the healthcare landscape began to change dramatically, particularly in the United States. The introduction of private health insurance, the rise of large healthcare conglomerates, and the growth of pharmaceutical companies began to transform medicine into an increasingly industrialized business.
This shift was underscored by an explosion of healthcare costs. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), U.S. healthcare expenditures reached $4.3 trillion in 2021, a staggering 18.3% of the nation’s GDP. With these rising costs came the financialization of healthcare, where the focus began to shift from patient care to profit. As a result, healthcare started being viewed as an industry, with doctors no longer seen as healers but as part of the corporate machine.
The term “provider” began to replace “doctor,” signaling a shift in how healthcare professionals were viewed. Providers, as the term implies, were merely deliverers of a service, rather than esteemed practitioners of a noble art. Insurance companies, private equity firms, and large hospital networks gained more control over healthcare, leading to a more impersonal and transactional system.
This shift from personalized, patient-centered care to a corporate model significantly diminished the role of doctors as autonomous professionals, and, in many cases, reduced their autonomy. Doctors, now working for large health systems, found themselves less able to practice medicine in the way they saw fit, often pressured to meet the financial goals set by their employers.
The Burden of Bureaucracy: Technology, Paperwork, and Admin Overload
One of the major challenges that contributed to the devaluation of the doctor’s role is the growing administrative burden. With the rise of electronic health records (EHRs) and insurance bureaucracy, doctors spend an increasing amount of time on paperwork rather than on patient care. In fact, a 2019 survey by the American Medical Association (AMA) found that U.S. doctors spend an average of 16 hours a week on administrative tasks like EHR documentation, insurance claims, and compliance with government regulations.
This administrative burden has significant repercussions for the doctor-patient relationship. In the past, doctors were able to spend long, uninterrupted hours with patients, listening to their concerns and diagnosing their ailments with care and attention. But with the proliferation of bureaucratic tasks, doctors now face mounting pressure to see more patients, leaving little time for meaningful interactions.
The Mayo Clinic has noted that 50% of physicians report experiencing burnout, with high levels of administrative work being one of the key contributing factors. The growing use of technology, while beneficial in many ways, has inadvertently turned medicine into a data-management job for many doctors, rather than allowing them to focus on the healing process. As a result, doctors feel increasingly disconnected from the very art of medicine that once inspired them to enter the field.
Conclusion: Let’s Not Devalue the Profession Any Further
Doctors still hold an essential role in society. Healthcare has changed, but the art of healing has not disappeared. In fact, doctors are still fighting for their patients every day, often in the face of immense personal and professional challenges. They risk their lives, as we saw during the COVID-19 pandemic, working tirelessly to protect public health.
It’s time to stop devaluing the medical profession. We must recognize that doctors are not just “providers”—they are healers, educators, and advocates. The next time you see your doctor, remember that behind the white coat, they are doing their best to help you, despite the pressures they face.
If we want to restore the respect and dignity of the medical profession, we must work toward a healthcare system that values quality over efficiency, empathy over bureaucracy, and healing over profit. Let doctors be doctors again, and in doing so, we can ensure a healthier, more compassionate future for all.
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