The Deprofessionalization of Medicine
Causes, Effects, and Responses
- Ralph R. Reed, MD;
- Daryl Evans, PhD
Abstract
In this article, we examine the components of medical professionalism; identify the roots of the loss of professional autonomy by physicians in the United States—a process that, in effect, is leading to the deprofessionalization of American medicine; discuss why such deprofessionalization is undesirable for the society; and explore three health care delivery systems and their effects on deprofessionalization. We suggest that a system based on organizations set up and directed by physicians will be the system that best preserves medical professionalism and serves the public interest.
(JAMA 1987;258:3279-3282)
Footnotes
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Reprint requests to The Reed Medical Group, Chartered, 404 Maine, Lawrence, KS 66044 (Dr Reed).
