RE: "Physician", not "provider"

The article by Drs. Diaz and Johnson, like so many similar pieces that have come forth over the past few decades, was very appropriate and appreciated.

As they noted, other professional organizations and publications have vowed to abjure the term “provider” when referring to physicians. This is helpful, though it is still a relatively small number of entities that have taken this step. It would further the cause if those that have expounded their policy of a more precise terminology, such as the AAFP, JAMA, and AFMRD, would recommend that their constituent members take similar action. Leading by example is critical, but urging others to follow suit will likely hasten the time when a clearer description of medical professionals becomes the norm, to the benefit of the general public, our patients, and our fellow physicians. Thus far, I have not seen any of the aforementioned organizations explicitly advocate this course of action amongst their members.

The Viewpoint in JAMA by Beasley et. al. sums up the course that should be taken:

"Professional societies should adopt these changes in language as universal professional standards and implement an action plan to apply them, starting at the national level and also involving state and local entities, industry, and ultimately individual practices."

Beasley JW, Roberts RG, Goroll AH. Promoting trust and morale by changing how the word provider is used: encouraging specificity and transparency. JAMA. 2021;325(23):2343-2344. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.6046