The Debate Over Physician Titles and Political Implications
The history of physicians serving as U.S. senators is well-established. Among them are Sen. John Barrasso, an orthopedic surgeon who led surgery at Wyoming Medical Center, and Sen. Bill Cassidy, a gastroenterologist who co-founded a clinic for the poor. Sen. Rand Paul brought his ophthalmology experience from nearly two decades of practice. Sen. Roger Marshall, an OB-GYN, has delivered over 5,000 babies. Notably, Sen. Bill Frist performed more than 150 heart and lung transplants and founded Vanderbilt Multi-Organ Transplant Center before serving as a senator and Senate majority leader.
These physicians possess essential qualities like compassion, judgment, calmness, and understanding of human nature, which are vital for U.S. senators.
The current scrutiny over Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, running in the Democratic Senate primary in Michigan, centers on his claim to be a physician. Fox News Digital reports that left-wing host Mehdi Hasan challenged El-Sayed over his physician title, given his lack of a valid state medical license. Hasan inquired whether El-Sayed might have avoided controversy by sticking to calling himself a doctor, a title he holds.
As someone deeply connected to the medical profession, I believe Hasan’s questioning is valid. El-Sayed, armed with a medical degree from Columbia and a doctorate in public health from Oxford, identifies as a doctor and epidemiologist rather than a physician since he has not practiced medicine.
Many state licensing boards reserve the title “physician” for licensed practitioners actively involved in patient care or related scientific pursuits.
While El-Sayed has commendable credentials and roles, including his leadership in public health departments and academic appointments, these do not equate to being a physician engaged in direct patient care.
“Physician” traces back to ancient Greek “physik,” highlighting those involved in nature and physical understanding of illness, according to the American Medical Association Journal of Ethics.
El-Sayed’s ardent support for Medicare for All has led to his authorship of a relevant book. Despite his proclamation of independence from insurers, firsthand dealings with insurers shape one’s understanding of Medicare and its limits.
Physicians in the U.S. Senate serve a distinguished role. Accurate representation of one’s title, especially regarding calling oneself a physician, is crucial.
Marc Siegel, M.D., is a professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and Fox News Channel’s senior medical analyst. His upcoming book, “The Miracles Among Us,” explores healing and will be released by Fox Books.