Recent studies have found while some patients prefer calling their physicians by their first name, others often feel uncomfortable, according to Medscape.
Here are five notes:
1. Some physicians claim the provider/patient relationship is not a personal relationship because providers need to make objective decisions about a patient's health.
2. Others counter physicians should get past their resignations and go by their first name to put patients at ease.
3. Brain McKinstry, MD, found providers who do not use their first name with patients maintain an unequal relationship which "inhibits patients' ability to make decisions for themselves and to take responsibility for their health."
4. The healthcare community is also divided on how to refer to other staff, including nurses and residents. However, the etiquette rules vary across settings and patient preferences.
5. Ultimately, many claim a physician should be referred to as 'Doctor' unless they prefer otherwise.
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