AMA Changes Course On 'Doctor' Resolution

Main Category: Public Health
Also Included In: Primary Care / General Practice
Article Date: 27 Jun 2008 - 0:00 PDT

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The American Medical Association recently considered a policy resolution that advocated for legislation to limit the use of the titles "doctor," "resident," and "residency" to physicians, podiatrists, and dentists, or those in training for those professions.

In talks with the AMA, ASHP urged officials to reconsider the proposal. The two organizations have a longstanding, constructive relationship, which provided a unique opportunity to introduce additional perspectives.

The AMA ultimately settled on language that advocates for legislation that requires health care professionals to "clearly and accurately identify to patients their qualifications and degree(s)" and makes it a felony to "misrepresent one's self as a physician."

Click here to read ASHP's response to the proposal.

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists