Skip to content
  • About
  • Contact
  • Contribute
  • Book
  • Careers
  • Podcast
  • Recommended
  • Speaking
  • All
  • Physician
  • Practice
  • Policy
  • Finance
  • Conditions
  • .edu
  • Patient
  • Meds
  • Tech
  • Social
  • Video
    • All
    • Physician
    • Practice
    • Policy
    • Finance
    • Conditions
    • .edu
    • Patient
    • Meds
    • Tech
    • Social
    • Video
    • About
    • Contact
    • Contribute
    • Book
    • Careers
    • Podcast
    • Recommended
    • Speaking

The evolving definition of doctor

Joe Bocka, MD
Physician
August 13, 2018
624 Shares
Share
Tweet
Share

Doctor: (from Latin docere “teach” Greek phusikḗ epistḗmē “knowledge of nature”) a specially trained and skilled person who holds an advanced medical degree and is licensed to practice the healing arts.

My definition of doctor keeps evolving. As a child, I was cared for by FPs who helped set bones, suture skin and fight infections like measles, chicken pox, and strep. Though I didn’t like going, I usually experienced healing on leaving their antiseptic-smelling office.

In sixth grade, a teacher took me to visit her neonatologist spouse. I was awestruck by the life-saving team’s battles to save the second set of quintuplets born in the U.S. This lit a spark to know more about our bodies as doctors do.

In 1976, I joined the Leonia Volunteer Ambulance Corps and got a sense of the special training needed to be skillful. Premed college freshmen students telling us seniors their horror stories led me to study actuarial science while getting a side of EMS. But halfway through the desire to know more about nature led me to change to premed. Within a couple weeks, my definition of doctor changed to cutthroat survivalist.

In medical school, the definition of doctor morphed to crazy and near impossible. Then I realized a corollary definition for doctor is P=MD. (Passing was all I needed to earn a piece of paper that would define me as a medical doctor.)

My first patient as a medical student was a mystery. He had thrush, abnormal labs, and unidentifiable pneumonia. Physically, he kept deteriorating despite specialists adding their insight. Throughout his stay that eventually led to the ICU, he kept telling everyone that I was his doctor, despite my trying to correct him that I was just a student. He was one of the first HIV patients in the U.S. and died from complications of what we now know was pneumocystis. Webster didn’t mention responsibility, but it is a huge part of being a doctor that I felt even as a student.

Practicing emergency medicine for 33 years enlarged my definition of “doctor” beyond anything I ever dreamed. I’ve cared for thousands of patients — delivering hundreds and pronouncing way too many. Being defined as a doctor has allowed me to enter race cars, prisons, ORs, helicopters, secure military bases, fireworks launching areas and even a secret tunnel transporting the Pope (who waved at me). I’ve touched virtually every human body part inside and out — living and dead. More striking has been patients allowing me deep into their lives by telling me things they could never say to anyone else. Most of these remain locked even from family, as another unwritten part of the definition is trustworthy. It’s humbling to hear: “You’re my doctor. I trust you!” Though trust needs to be earned, we docs do begin with a head start because of our title, breaking this only when there is a danger to our patient or others.

Being defined as a U.S. doctor translates to many languages and cultures. This allowed me to be welcomed into hospitals in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay without months of verification.

I’ve been called many subtle variations. The respectful “Doc” that police, fire and EMS providers use confirms being partners in a hazardous brotherhood. Because emergency providers need to be quick and concise (and I’m short), I’m known in the ED as “Dr. B.” There’s also the hauntingly drawn out “Doooctoooorrrr” with no last name used by lawyers trying to unnerve me and make me say that I am a poorly trained uncaring idiot who didn’t really deserve to be called a doctor. Though many think perfection is in the definition of a doctor, it can’t be. I have human flaws along with good days and bad. However, intentionally trying to harm is never in my definition.

I’m amazed at the power of my words. People often read Dr. Google, but need to hear it from a doctor to believe it. “It’s cancer.” “It’s a girl … and a boy!” “You’re going to be all right.” “I’m sorry, he’s dead.” “That’s normal.” Honesty and presentation are important in framing these. Our touch can emphasize these in an equally powerful way.

Last year, I cut back my ED shifts to begin working three days a week at a primary care clinic. In the ED, I often was the only doctor many patients would ever see. Now, I truly would be defined as their primary care physician. Long-term relationship was added to “doctor.” My definition of a patient also changed. I must look at their entirety (body, mind, soul, and spirit) today using their past to prep for the long haul. I’ve had to learn many new aspects involved in the healing art of medicine. Teaching that diabetes is not just from sugar. Devising a plan to use however much insulin one can afford, despite this not being enough to meet the ideal goals some experts say define a good doctor. Finding key motivators to change bad health habits. Learning everyone’s real story and its’ effects.

Caring and compassion is part of being a doctor, but this has also recently blossomed. Our clinic has celebrated births, birthdays, lives transformed by gaining victory over addictions and medications withdrawn because of health changes (and miracles). We’ve been saddened when one of patients is found to have cancer, goes to jail or ODs. We feel a loss when one of ours dies. I’ve cried at some funerals, but I’m grieved even more deeply by the funerals I couldn’t go to because the patient was so alone and broke that there wasn’t any memorial.

I trust that my life has added a positive spin to “doctor.” I am honored to see those that have shadowed me go on to success in life (only a few choosing to be a doctor) and to see healing in many of my patients.

I’m not sure how my definition of a doctor will be fine-tuned as I finish out my career. I’m sure I will be learning more about the “healing art” of aging and about how death is a part of life. Can’t wait to see what will be added to the amazing perspective on life and death that I have been honored to live out so far.

Joe Bocka is an emergency physician.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com 

Prev

The nuances of a primary care visit aren't always appreciated

August 12, 2018 Kevin 3
…
Next

Making the world a better place for new medical interns

August 13, 2018 Kevin 2
…

Tagged as: Emergency Medicine, Practice Management

Post navigation

< Previous Post
The nuances of a primary care visit aren't always appreciated
Next Post >
Making the world a better place for new medical interns

More by Joe Bocka, MD

  • Exceeding the stool limit in the emergency department

    Joe Bocka, MD
  • A thank you from doctors to nurses

    Joe Bocka, MD
  • 36 things I learned in 36 years of medicine

    Joe Bocka, MD

Related Posts

  • Osler and the doctor-patient relationship

    Leonard Wang
  • Finding a new doctor is like dating

    R. Lynn Barnett
  • Doctor, how are you, really?

    Deborah Courtney
  • Be a human first and a doctor second

    Sarah Murad
  • Becoming a doctor is the epitome of delayed gratification

    Natasha Abadilla
  • International medical graduates ease the U.S. doctor shortage

    G. Richard Olds, MD

More in Physician

  • It’s time for C-suite to contract directly with physicians for part-time work

    Aaron Morgenstein, MD & Corinne Sundar Rao, MD
  • From rural communities to underserved populations: How telemedicine is bridging health care gaps

    Harvey Castro, MD, MBA
  • From solidarity to co-liberation: Understanding the journey towards ending oppression

    Maiysha Clairborne, MD
  • Finding peace through surrender: a personal exploration

    Dympna Weil, MD
  • The struggle to fill emergency medicine residency spots: Exploring the factors behind the unfilled match

    Katrina Gipson, MD, MPH
  • Beyond the disease: the power of empathy in health care

    Nana Dadzie Ghansah, MD
  • Most Popular

  • Past Week

    • Nobody wants this job. Should physicians stick around?

      Katie Klingberg, MD | Physician
    • The real cause of America’s opioid crisis: Doctors are not to blame

      Richard A. Lawhern, PhD | Meds
    • Healing the damaged nurse-physician dynamic

      Angel J. Mena, MD and Ali Morin, MSN, RN | Policy
    • The struggle to fill emergency medicine residency spots: Exploring the factors behind the unfilled match

      Katrina Gipson, MD, MPH | Physician
    • From physician to patient: one doctor’s journey to finding purpose after a devastating injury

      Stephanie Pearson, MD | Physician
    • Breaking the cycle of misery in medicine: a practical guide

      Paul R. Ehrmann, DO | Physician
  • Past 6 Months

    • The hidden dangers of the Nebraska Heartbeat Act

      Meghan Sheehan, MD | Policy
    • The fight for reproductive health: Why medication abortion matters

      Catherine Hennessey, MD | Physician
    • The vital importance of climate change education in medical schools

      Helen Kim, MD | Policy
    • Resetting the doctor-patient relationship: Navigating the challenges of modern primary care

      Jeffrey H. Millstein, MD | Physician
    • Nobody wants this job. Should physicians stick around?

      Katie Klingberg, MD | Physician
    • Why are doctors sued and politicians aren’t?

      Kellie Lease Stecher, MD | Physician
  • Recent Posts

    • What I think it means to be a medical student in the wake of AI

      Jackson J. McCue | Tech
    • It’s time for C-suite to contract directly with physicians for part-time work

      Aaron Morgenstein, MD & Corinne Sundar Rao, MD | Physician
    • The psychoanalytic hammer: lessons in listening and patient-centered care

      Greg Smith, MD | Conditions
    • From rural communities to underserved populations: How telemedicine is bridging health care gaps

      Harvey Castro, MD, MBA | Physician
    • 5 essential tips to help men prevent prostate cancer

      Kevin Jones, MD | Conditions
    • Unlock the power of physician compensation data in contract negotiations [PODCAST]

      The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast

Subscribe to KevinMD and never miss a story!

Get free updates delivered free to your inbox.


Find jobs at
Careers by KevinMD.com

Search thousands of physician, PA, NP, and CRNA jobs now.

Learn more

View 2 Comments >

Founded in 2004 by Kevin Pho, MD, KevinMD.com is the web’s leading platform where physicians, advanced practitioners, nurses, medical students, and patients share their insight and tell their stories.

Social

  • Like on Facebook
  • Follow on Twitter
  • Connect on Linkedin
  • Subscribe on Youtube
  • Instagram

CME Spotlights

From MedPage Today

Latest News

  • Day in the Life of a Doctor: Treating a Patient With Septic Shock
  • Paxlovid May Lower Long COVID Risk, VA Study Suggests
  • Digital Inhalers May Improve Uncontrolled Asthma Management
  • Another Win for Zolbetuximab in Advanced Gastric/GEJ Cancer
  • Autism Prevalence Is Up, CDC Report Shows

Meeting Coverage

  • Switch to IL-23 Blocker Yields Deep Responses in Recalcitrant Plaque Psoriasis
  • Biomarkers of Response With Enfortumab Vedotin in Advanced Urothelial Cancer
  • At-Home Topical Therapy for Molluscum Contagiosum Gets High Marks
  • Outlook for Itchy Prurigo Nodularis Continues to Improve With IL-31 Antagonist
  • AAAAI President Shares Highlights From the 2023 Meeting
  • Most Popular

  • Past Week

    • Nobody wants this job. Should physicians stick around?

      Katie Klingberg, MD | Physician
    • The real cause of America’s opioid crisis: Doctors are not to blame

      Richard A. Lawhern, PhD | Meds
    • Healing the damaged nurse-physician dynamic

      Angel J. Mena, MD and Ali Morin, MSN, RN | Policy
    • The struggle to fill emergency medicine residency spots: Exploring the factors behind the unfilled match

      Katrina Gipson, MD, MPH | Physician
    • From physician to patient: one doctor’s journey to finding purpose after a devastating injury

      Stephanie Pearson, MD | Physician
    • Breaking the cycle of misery in medicine: a practical guide

      Paul R. Ehrmann, DO | Physician
  • Past 6 Months

    • The hidden dangers of the Nebraska Heartbeat Act

      Meghan Sheehan, MD | Policy
    • The fight for reproductive health: Why medication abortion matters

      Catherine Hennessey, MD | Physician
    • The vital importance of climate change education in medical schools

      Helen Kim, MD | Policy
    • Resetting the doctor-patient relationship: Navigating the challenges of modern primary care

      Jeffrey H. Millstein, MD | Physician
    • Nobody wants this job. Should physicians stick around?

      Katie Klingberg, MD | Physician
    • Why are doctors sued and politicians aren’t?

      Kellie Lease Stecher, MD | Physician
  • Recent Posts

    • What I think it means to be a medical student in the wake of AI

      Jackson J. McCue | Tech
    • It’s time for C-suite to contract directly with physicians for part-time work

      Aaron Morgenstein, MD & Corinne Sundar Rao, MD | Physician
    • The psychoanalytic hammer: lessons in listening and patient-centered care

      Greg Smith, MD | Conditions
    • From rural communities to underserved populations: How telemedicine is bridging health care gaps

      Harvey Castro, MD, MBA | Physician
    • 5 essential tips to help men prevent prostate cancer

      Kevin Jones, MD | Conditions
    • Unlock the power of physician compensation data in contract negotiations [PODCAST]

      The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast

MedPage Today Professional

An Everyday Health Property Medpage Today iMedicalApps
  • Terms of Use | Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • DMCA Policy
All Content © KevinMD, LLC
Site by Outthink Group

The evolving definition of doctor
2 comments

Comments are moderated before they are published. Please read the comment policy.

Loading Comments...