Two Coveted Letters -- M.D.

After our first class discussion, I keep coming back to the question of whether or not patients are willing to take on the “consequences” of their decisions that are based on their own medical research. Solely based upon my thoughts, I believe that people think differently of doctors now than they did years ago. I feel that doctors were much more respected in years past. The two letters, MD, that followed their names symbolized to patients that their doctor had gone through extensive schooling to be able to help them with medical problems. These two letters also symbolized something that not all people felt they could accomplish for themselves. In a sense, it was a coveted occupation that only few had the privilege to achieve.

Now, particularly in the United States, I feel patients have begun to feel more empowered. That the letters “MD” do not carry the weight of respect that they once did. Why? I can remember as a child hearing over and over again, you can be anything you want to be. I think we have really embraced this thought, now more than ever. The internet has become a tool for empowerment. Now, information is easily obtained -- figuratively and actually at our fingertips -- no longer only accessible to those privileged to go to medical school. We, essentially, can become our own doctors.

So my question now is, if or better yet when we improve doctor/ patient communication, will this bring back a patients respect for doctors? Or will we, as patients, still want to gain information for ourselves?