Dr. Michel Rie, my Family Physician at One Medical, is first-rate! He has all the qualities you…read morehope to find in a physician--compassion, experienced medical care, excellent training and judgment; and he also manages to be efficient and on-time!
I've had excellent experiences with other One Medical physicians and nurse practitioners as well. The medical office is new and well-appointed--albeit with fake plastic plants; I appreciate the on-site laboratory & phlebotomist and x-ray availability as well.
The overall corporate influence on office decor is off-putting; I miss the personal touches--no Medical diplomas, nor favorite art work in physician's offices--which I find dystopian.
One Medical is owned by Amazon; I hope they don't mess it up. The corporate influences are invasive: "membership" costs $100 for Amazon Prime customers--apparently $200 without Prime membership; with neither, you can still be seen, but forfeit complete access to the "patient portal," and don't have access to after-hours medical phone advice.
A few months ago, I missed an appointment, because I was notified of an appointment "with Michael."
I didn't remember any such appointment! I failed to understand they were referring to my physician, Dr. Rie. Apparently, they've started using doctor's first names, "so that patients will be more accepting" of nurse practitioners and/or physician assistants.
I'm writing as a retired Family Practice doctor. I find this insulting to physicians--I have worked with a number of nurse practitioners and physician assistants; I appreciate and respect their skills; it wasn't necessary in any of the several practices where I've worked to dispense with the traditional title of "Doctor" for physicians, in order to elevate other professionals' status.
Any physician who has completed four years of medical school and a minimum of three years of internship and residency training; a minimum of seven years of medical training in all, has earned the right to be addressed as "doctor."
I have not thought any less of the nurse practitioners or physician assistants I've worked with; they play a legitimate role, worthy of respect. I do think less of Amazon's management and decision-making though; I've never found insulting professionals to be a winning strategy.
Regardless, it is unnecessary to downgrade the traditional manner of using the title "Doctor,"--a matter of respect--in order to artificially upgrade the value of other medical professionals. I would think it is an insult to them as well--their performance speaks for itself. I've been pleased with the care I've received from One Medical nurse practitioners. Perhaps, rather, they deserve their own titles?
I think the military could offer insight into that. Everyone has a title, from "Private" to "First Classman" on up....