More on ‘We are physicians, not providers’

I absolutely loved Dr. Nasrallah's editorial and completely agree with him. Perhaps we could begin a letter-writing campaign urging Congress to amend Public Law 93-641 by replacing “provider” with “physicians and/or other health specialists” or something to that effect. With enough persuasion, the AMA might even take the lead on this.

Deborah Young, MD
Encinitas, California

I found Dr. Nasrallah's editorial extremely interesting and on target. I agree with his concern about the trend towards “bottom line” medicine.

I understand that, justifiably, Dr. Nasrallah's basic interest is in the realm of psychiatry (both clinicians and patients); however, shouldn’t that concern be broadened by recognizing that in all medical relationships, the individual (ie, physician assistant [PA], NP, registered nurse, respiratory therapist, etc.) is a “clinician” who cares for a patient

Also, while more and more people are willing to admit to being a patient undergoing mental health care, there still are many people who prefer not to called a patient when—or if—they describe the experience of receiving mental health care.

I teach a class called “Legal & Ethical Issues In Medicine” in a PA program, and one of the major objectives is to get the students to recognize and feel that they are becoming professionals. They are becoming clinicians who will help manage the health care of a patient.

Again, I appreciate Dr. Nasrallah's points, and wish that they could have a broader exposure.

Robert C. Grosz, EdD
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

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