By Steven S. Spencer, MD, FACP, CCHP-A
Posted on September 29, 2010 – CorrEthics: Confusing Credentials
In response to the provocative article by Drs. Puerini and Rieger (Volume 13, Issue 2), I do not agree with their last sentence: Clearly there is room here for multiple interpretations. It is my observation that the achievement of a PhD degree requires more time, study and certainly more initiative than the achievement of an MD or DO degree. The inmate at the large jail, or indeed the patient in the free world, is unconcerned with the fact that the mental health director is licensed at the Master’s level, although should expect that the director is appropriately licensed to practice. I see no marginal dishonesty in this woman introducing herself to patients or anyone else as Doctor X.
Steven S. Spencer, MD, FACP, CCHP-A
Consultant
Sante Fe, New Mexico
