Should medical students be introduced to patients as “student doctors”?
BMJ 2005; 331 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/sbmj.0509327 (Published 01 September 2005) Cite this as: BMJ 2005;331:0509327
- Daniel K Sokol, coauthor of Medical Ethics and Law1
- 1Surviving on the Wards and Passing Exams
In the first article of a new section on medical controversies, Daniel Sokol discusses the implications of introducinging medical students as student doctors
Medical ethicists are notorious for their interest in rare and far-fetched cases. “Vive la différence!” could be an ethicist's motto. But this is one of the most ordinary ethical issues in clinical medicine. So ordinary is it that many do not consider it an ethical issue at all. What is undeniable is that the issue—ethical or not—affects many patients, doctors, and medical students across the country.
Verbal tranquilizer
Most medical students, at one time in their training, have been called “student doctors” by their seniors. Registrars and consultants regularly boost the egos of their eager students with a taster of that delectable title—Doctor. Many patients are led to believe that “student doctors” are genuine doctors and go on to address them as such for the rest of the consultation. More than encouraging the students, the title also serves to reassure the patient that the nervous looking youth before them is not feebly attempting to assault them but is examining them. The title acts as a verbal tranquilizer, putting anxious patients and students at ease and “getting the best” out of both parties.
Where's the problem?
Throughout their hospital stay, however brief, patients are asked many questions by healthcare staff. It can be an exasperating experience. A weary or irate patient is more likely to answer questions if asked by a doctor. Introducing students as “student doctors” thus increases the compliance rate and provides opportunities for students to practise their history taking. So what is the fuss about if no one is harmed by the benevolent subterfuge? Is this another case of an ethicist creating an ethical issue out of nothing?
Subverting autonomy
Arguably, patients have a duty to allow medical students to train on …
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