Why we don't use 'Provider'

In my role, I am fortunate to work with a network of more than 2,300 talented and accomplished physicians, and none of them like to be called providers. Use of the term?provider?in health care originated in government and insurance sectors to designate healthcare delivery organizations in the 1970s. Today, many in the industry apply the word broadly to a wide range of people working in a variety of clinical roles, despite the fact that many of those people find the term disrespectful and offensive. At Tufts Medicine , we understand that our clinicians are doing so much more than providing services. They are using their skills, knowledge and expertise to care for and counsel people and build trusting relationships that save and improve lives.

I advise my marketing and communications colleagues that whenever possible, it is best to use specific clinical roles, such as physician, nurse practitioner, therapist, or physician assistant in the pieces they are creating or contributing to. In most cases, provider can easily be replaced with clinician – a more respectful and inclusive term. Getting this right can help improve morale and restore joy in practicing medicine. We recently memorialized this guidance in our company's brand guidelines, along with the examples below:

We also recommend that use of the word provider should be limited to legal documents and contracts and used only as required. While I am hopeful that our recent efforts will raise awareness and improve our communications across the system, I'd love to hear from others in my network about how you have addressed this challenge, including suggestions about how we can keep this topic top-of-mind. Appreciate your thoughts and comments.

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