For female physicians: do you get called a nurse?

[Iamnew2]

This has been frustrating. I'm an attending, a medical director, petite, female and a minority. I work with a lot of older patients, and there is an all male medicine group that also follows the patients. I'm frequently called "nurse" or told "the doctor said...' when referring to the other docs in the all male group. I frequently am confused. I introduce myself as doctor so and so and at times when they ask if I'm the nurse I say no I am your doctor. then they are like oh sorry! and then bam! the next day or two they go back to calling me nurse. Granted most patients are very happy with their care and most have great outcomes. but it's frustrating and I don't knwo what to do about it.

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[Crayola227]

This has been frustrating. I'm an attending, a medical director, petite, female and a minority. I work with a lot of older patients, and there is an all male medicine group that also follows the patients. I'm frequently called "nurse" or told "the doctor said...' when referring to the other docs in the all male group. I frequently am confused. I introduce myself as doctor so and so and at times when they ask if I'm the nurse I say no I am your doctor. then they are like oh sorry! and then bam! the next day or two they go back to calling me nurse. Granted most patients are very happy with their care and most have great outcomes. but it's frustrating and I don't knwo what to do about it.

I don't think there's anything you can do, besides wear a white coat and introduce yourself as doctor and correct anyone that doesn't address you properly.

 

[Iamnew2]

I don't think there's anything you can do, besides wear a white coat and introduce yourself as doctor and correct anyone that doesn't address you properly.

I just don't get it. I'm Dr so and so. Are you my nurse? ---> me: :|

 

[Apollyon]

I just don't get it. I'm Dr so and so. Are you my nurse? ---> me: :|

Over ten years ago, a doctor posted on my regular forum here about how she is mistaken for the nurse all the time. Then, she said how she chooses to wear the same color and style of scrubs as the nurses. I guess you get what you pay for?

 

[Iamnew2]

Over ten years ago, a doctor posted on my regular forum here about how she is mistaken for the nurse all the time. Then, she said how she chooses to wear the same color and style of scrubs as the nurses. I guess you get what you pay for?

I wear different scrub colors all the time. It just doesn't make any sense. If I say I'm Dr. So and so, how is that - are you my nurse? I give the encephalopathic patients a break bc they are confused. But the whole thing "The doctor said ..." Umm I'm the doctor. I didn't say that. Sometimes they even read my badge, oh Dr. SO and SO medical director - one patient tells me that's a big important job!

 

[Crayola227]

I wear different scrub colors all the time. It just doesn't make any sense. If I say I'm Dr. So and so, how is that - are you my nurse? I give the encephalopathic patients a break bc they are confused. But the whole thing "The doctor said ..." Umm I'm the doctor. I didn't say that. Sometimes they even read my badge, oh Dr. SO and SO medical director - one patient tells me that's a big important job!

You're in a scrubs. Are you in a white coat? I get that in some institutions this is less helpful than in others.

 

[VA Hopeful Dr]

My wife (internist) and I talked about this over lunch today. Her solution was brute force repetition. She had an introduction routine that had her pointing out that she is a doctor 5 times in the first 60 seconds when introducing herself to a patient.

Also, white coat. Correct patients immediately if they call you anything other than Dr. Last name.

 

[Crayola227]

You say you wear different colored scrubs. Are these hospital issue or you buy yourself? I think it's important your scrubs are the hospital issue like surgeons wear, with a white coat, while never wearing scrubs you buy yourself like what the nurses tend to wear.

 

[Iamnew2]

You're in a scrubs. Are you in a white coat? I get that in some institutions this is less helpful than in others.

I wear scrubs, not in a white coat. I don't like white coats and they are annoying. I see a lot of patients, have lots of meetings so putting it on and off is a nuisance. I think the fact that I'm short and small and look young doesn't help either.

 

[Iamnew2]

My wife (internist) and I talked about this over lunch today. Her solution was brute force repetition. She had an introduction routine that had her pointing out that she is a doctor 5 times in the first 60 seconds when introducing herself to a patient.

Also, white coat. Correct patients immediately if they call you anything other than Dr. Last name.

Interesting. Do you as a dude have this issue? Interesting that your wife has had the same issue as me it seems. It does get annoying - when there is confusion in the plan I say I am your physician. The plan is ......

 

[Iamnew2]

You say you wear different colored scrubs. Are these hospital issue or you buy yourself? I think it's important your scrubs are the hospital issue like surgeons wear, with a white coat, while never wearing scrubs you buy yourself like what the nurses tend to wear.

No the hospital doesn't issue them. They are self bought. Hospital doesn't actually issue scrubs. I should maybe wear a white coat.

 

[VA Hopeful Dr]

Interesting. Do you as a dude have this issue? Interesting that your wife has had the same issue as me it seems. It does get annoying - when there is confusion in the plan I say I am your physician. The plan is ......

I do not.

 

[RangerBob]

Honesty when I see anyone wearing just scrubs, it’s confusing what role they play in the hospital. Typically designer scrubs are RNs and therapists and hospital scrubs are surgeons.

Most docs where I work wear a white coat. I wear one since I’m so young and my patients are overwhelmingly old. As a female you have even more of an uphill battle, so I think if you want to minimize the confusion wearing a white coat and really practicing that intro like VAHopwfulDr’s wife does may help.

Our hospital also provides us with name tags with a huge “Physician” tag attached, that’s ten times as large as my name. Pretty much everyone at the hospital has a tag that explains what they are in big letters.

edit: typo

 

[Apollyon]

Our hospital also provides us with name tags with a huge “Physician” tag attached, that’s ten .times as large as my name. Pretty much everyone at the hospital has a tag that explains what they are in big letters.

I used to write DC instructions very simply, until a nurse reminded me that, in an ED in a poor area, many, or most, of the pts were illiterate. So, even "simple" was fruitless.

 

[rokshana]

don't wear white coat, but also don't wear scrubs...i wear pretty much street clothes...pre pandemic it was a dress or a blouse/skirt combo...now top and pants...ID hangs at pt eye level (on my hip or on my necklace)...rarely get mistaken for nurse.

but do on occasion...usually older pts that are used to male doctors.

helps that i'm of south asian decent...in my area, there are a lot of south asian doctors and nurses here are either black, white, or filipino .

maybe wear your surgical cap?

 

[Iamnew2]

don't wear white coat, but also don't wear scrubs...i wear pretty much street clothes...pre pandemic it was a dress or a blouse/skirt combo...ID hangs at pt eye level (on my hip or on my necklace)...rarely get mistaken for nurse.

but do on occasion...usually older pts that are used to male doctors.

helps that i'm of south asian decent...in my area, there are a lot of south asian doctors and nurses here are either black, white, or filipino .

maybe wear your surgical cap?

I used to wear street clothes but don't prefer it. I wear my badge on my neck. Lots of people see it. I am not a surgeon. So I think wearing a surgical cap would make patients even more confused! haha! I am hispanic. there are no hispanic doctors anywhere in probably a 200 mile radius, and really no other PM&R doctor in town.

 

[Iamnew2]

Honesty when I see anyone wearing just scrubs, it’s confusing what role they play in the hospital. Typically designer scrubs are RNs and therapists and hospital scrubs are surgeons.

Most docs where I work wear a white coat. I wear one since I’m so young and my patients are overwhelmingly old. As a female you have even more of an uphill battle, so I think if you want to minimize the confusion wearing a white coat and really practicing that I do like VAHopwfulDr’s wife does may help.

Our hospital also provides us with name tags with a huge “Physician” tag attached, that’s ten .times as large as my name. Pretty much everyone at the hospital has a tag that explains what they are in big letters.

I have thought about that. I am not sure if anyone would have an issue with me getting an ID saying DOCTOR with huge red letters as the VA did I think for doctors haha. Perhaps the scrubs without a white coat confuse people - it doesn't help that I look young, don't have wrinkles, etc. One patient when I said hi! I'm Dr so and so said well you look like a young girl. It's interesting some patients remember me just fine even old ones - one says good morning doctor! every time I enter. So even say good morning Dr so and so! Maybe I'll try the white coat.

 

[rokshana]

I used to wear street clothes but don't prefer it. I wear my badge on my neck. Lots of people see it. I am not a surgeon. So I think wearing a surgical cap would make patients even more confused! haha! I am hispanic. there are no hispanic doctors anywhere in probably a 200 mile radius, and really no other PM&R doctor in town.

lol, Sorry! i don't know why i thought you were a surgeon.

 

[Gastrapathy]

The giant tag below your name with MD in 48 point type is the only thing I’ve seen work. And when you introduce yourself, literally hold the badge up “so they can see your name” and shove that in their faces. Can’t say it’s fair to you at all but it’s seemed to work.

 

[Iamnew2]

The giant tag below your name with MD in 48 point type is the only thing I’ve seen work. And when you introduce yourself, literally hold the badge up “so they can see your name” and shove that in their faces. Can’t say it’s fair to you at all but it’s seemed to work.

Lol perhaps. It's interesting though how some patients recognize who I am with no problem and even remember my unique last name, and others on an almost daily basis think I'm the nurse. I might try the red bolded DOCTOR tag.

It's also sad as some patients are like oh you are the director and then they call me nurse the next day. Sigh.

I should write a book about this! I was literally laughing in my office today as I was reading another thread about this that I guess someone posted in the past. I would love to collect other people's experiences. It's truly eye opening!

 

[2010houston]

White coat and business clothes do make a difference. If that’s not an option, white coat at least for sure.

I’m sorry. This situation is frustrating and very common. Agree with the advice to pound it in. “I’m Dr X, your PM&R physician… as the doctor treating you, I recommend …. Etc etc etc

 

[Iamnew2]

White coat and business clothes do make a difference. If that’s not an option, white coat at least for sure.

I’m sorry. This situation is frustrating and very common. Agree with the advice to pound it in. “I’m Dr X, your PM&R physician… as the doctor treating you, I recommend …. Etc etc etc

I'll get some white coats I think. We'll see how it goes I guess.

Hope it doesn't go like:

Hi there! Good morning, patient so and so. I'm Dr. X! I'm your rehab doctor.

Patient: Good morning doctor! Are you my nurse? Lol.

We'll see how it goes.

 

[2010houston]

I'll get some white coats I think. We'll see how it goes I guess.

Hope it doesn't go like:

Hi there! Good morning, patient so and so. I'm Dr. X! I'm your rehab doctor.

Patient: Good morning doctor! Are you my nurse? Lol.

We'll see how it goes.

Haha. It probably still will. But maybe a little less frequently 🤣

 

[AMEHigh]

I don’t work in a hospital anymore, but yes got called nurse, tech, transport person, janitor, etc. It’s definitely sexism and racism at its finest. I never found a solution in the hospital setting other than to correct people and say I’m Dr. X. Unfortunately, I don’t think there’s much you can do other than that. Hang in there!

 

[DrMetal]

I'm frequently mistaken for an NP, or a PA . . . oh wait, that's no mistake, they're taking my jobs!

 

[RangerBob]

I'll get some white coats I think. We'll see how it goes I guess.

Hope it doesn't go like:

Hi there! Good morning, patient so and so. I'm Dr. X! I'm your rehab doctor.

Patient: Good morning doctor! Are you my nurse? Lol.

We'll see how it goes.

Good luck! I assume as the population ages things will improve as a larger share of the population will be used to female physicians (it’s inevitable-a small majority of med students are female)

Unfortunately the public’s understanding of PM&R is unlikely to ever improve. So once people stop assuming you’re an RN they’re probably going to say “oh, so you’re my physical therapist right?”

My Dad still thinks PM&R stands for “pain medicine and rehabilitation.”

🤦🏻‍♂️

 

[Iamnew2]

Good luck! I assume as the population ages things will improve as a larger share of the population will be used to female physicians (it’s inevitable-a small majority of med students are female)

Unfortunately the public’s understanding of PM&R is unlikely to ever improve. So once people stop assuming you’re an RN they’re probably going to say “oh, so you’re my physical therapist right?”

My Dad still thinks PM&R stands for “pain medicine and rehabilitation.”

🤦🏻‍♂️

Haha! Today I was like hi! I'm DOCTOR so and so! I'll be your REHAB DOCTOR during your stay here. We talk blah blah blah then she asks - wait did you say you were with therapy? Lol. I said, no I am the DOCTOR! Patient: Oh! A woman doctor! Good to have a woman in charge when you need one. Lol.

 

[LucidSplash]

Yes. A lot. It doesn’t matter if I wear my white coat especially since all the NPs that the hospital uses for hospitalist service and are affiliated with other sub specialists wear white coats.

But also I’ve stopped caring. I just state again that I’m their surgeon, I will be doing the operation, and the male resident is in training and will be assisting me. And I give them my card. Honestly most act like they feel pretty sheepish for not getting it the first time I explained it. And most of these patients/families have so many people coming in and out of the room between different consulting service MDs and PA/NP (hospitalists consult everyone), RN, CNA, various radiology techs, etc, I don’t blame them for not being able to keep it all straight. It is an unintentional thing most times. It also happens far less than when I was a junior resident. But I turn 40 this year and people occasionally say I look too young to be the one in charge but I take that as a win.

 

[Iamnew2]

Yes. A lot. It doesn’t matter if I wear my white coat especially since all the NPs that the hospital uses for hospitalist service and are affiliated with other sub specialists wear white coats.

But also I’ve stopped caring. I just state again that I’m their surgeon, I will be doing the operation, and the male resident is in training and will be assisting me. And I give them my card. Honestly most act like they feel pretty sheepish for not getting it the first time I explained it. And most of these patients/families have so many people coming in and out of the room between different consulting service MDs and PA/NP (hospitalists consult everyone), RN, CNA, various radiology techs, etc, I don’t blame them for not being able to keep it all straight. It is an unintentional thing most times. It also happens far less than when I was a junior resident. But I turn 40 this year and people occasionally say I look too young to be the one in charge but I take that as a win.

Yep I am a similar age and people tell me I look very young. I have gotten the whole " oh doctors gets younger and younger these days." Thanks mom and dad for good genes!

 

[mvenus929]

I used to get called a nurse all the time when I was in the hospital more. Now that I'm primarily outpatient, I introduce myself as Dr and most people get that I'm the person they have the appointment with. I don't wear a white coat (have worn it like 5 times total since I graduated from medical school). I wear business casual clothes, occasionally scrubs if I go into the hospital on a weekend to do a consult. I also have a badge buddy that says 'Doctor' that can be seen regardless of how my badge is laying.

I do get called by my first name with some (male) physicians who go by 'Dr. X'. I don't mind being called my first name by colleagues, but only if the expectation is that they are also going by their first name and not their title.

 

[VA Hopeful Dr]

I used to get called a nurse all the time when I was in the hospital more. Now that I'm primarily outpatient, I introduce myself as Dr and most people get that I'm the person they have the appointment with. I don't wear a white coat (have worn it like 5 times total since I graduated from medical school). I wear business casual clothes, occasionally scrubs if I go into the hospital on a weekend to do a consult. I also have a badge buddy that says 'Doctor' that can be seen regardless of how my badge is laying.

I do get called by my first name with some (male) physicians who go by 'Dr. X'. I don't mind being called my first name by colleagues, but only if the expectation is that they are also going by their first name and not their title.

I detest physicians who expect other physicians to call them Dr. Doubly so if they call other doctors by their first names.

Easy fix though: first name everyone.

 

[Dral]

I detest physicians who expect other physicians to call them Dr. Doubly so if they call other doctors by their first names.

Easy fix though: first name everyone.

There are people who do that? Wow. I prefer everyone to first name me (other docs, nurses, techs, etc). The only time I care about being called Dr. X is when I'm in front of patients. Heck, I'd be fine with the residents and fellows first naming me, but they never do.

 

[gutonc]

There are people who do that? Wow. I prefer everyone to first name me (other docs, nurses, techs, etc). The only time I care about being called Dr. X is when I'm in front of patients. Heck, I'd be fine with the residents and fellows first naming me, but they never do.

I first name everyone except when referring to other physicians with non-physicians. I used to request everyone in my office refer to me by my first name but so many didn't that I stopped bothering to ask.

 

[VA Hopeful Dr]

There are people who do that? Wow. I prefer everyone to first name me (other docs, nurses, techs, etc). The only time I care about being called Dr. X is when I'm in front of patients. Heck, I'd be fine with the residents and fellows first naming me, but they never do.

Isn't that what the post I was responding to said happened?

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

Honestly, I know who the physicians are by NOT wearing a white coat. As alluded to above, all the noctors and llps wear white coats nowadays. Just a matter of time before they start wearing scrubs and fleeces too

I saw a woman yesterday with a very long white coat and extremely fancy embroidery. Was her name followed by BSN and about 10 other initials. She was walking around with a clipboard.

 

[dienekes88]

Interesting. Do you as a dude have this issue? Interesting that your wife has had the same issue as me it seems. It does get annoying - when there is confusion in the plan I say I am your physician. The plan is ......

I'm a guy, and I have this issue. Not with being called a nurse but essentially being called any allied professional other than a doctor. I don't really mind it anymore actually. If I let things like that bother me, I'd go insane. Just like I have been asked if I speak English... while I have been speaking English.

 

[dienekes88]

Honestly, I know who the physicians are by NOT wearing a white coat. As alluded to above, all the noctors and llps wear white coats nowadays. Just a matter of time before they start wearing scrubs and fleeces too

Haha. Isn't this already happening. Everywhere I go the PA/NPs are wearing the scrubs and fleeces. The nurse administrators are wearing the white coats.

Maybe the doctors gotta wear something else entirely.

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

I'm a guy, and I have this issue. Not with being called a nurse but essentially being called any allied professional other than a doctor. I don't really mind it anymore actually. If I let things like that bother me, I'd go insane. Just like I have been asked if I speak English... while I have been speaking English.

I’m a guy med student and have been called a tech or lvn on inpatient. Also have been asked what type of nurse I’ll be when I finish medical school. Probably a couple dozen times. There’s definitely a sexism component to it for women, particularly with older patients. But I think as the patient pop transitions to being mostly younger generations, it’s still going to happen—just from a place of ignorance about medicine and not prejudice.

 

[hallowmann]

I'm a guy, and I have this issue. Not with being called a nurse but essentially being called any allied professional other than a doctor. I don't really mind it anymore actually. If I let things like that bother me, I'd go insane. Just like I have been asked if I speak English... while I have been speaking English.

This never gets old. Yeah, so did you just read my name, look at my face, assume I'm not "from here", and not listen to my introduction in my native language of... English. I suppose a slight hint of western Pennsylvania may peak through when I'm especially tired, but yinz should still undershtand it.

 

[Dral]

Isn't that what the post I was responding to said happened?

It was a rhetorical question.

 

[Dral]

I first name everyone except when referring to other physicians with non-physicians. I used to request everyone in my office refer to me by my first name but so many didn't that I stopped bothering to ask.

Same. It's like pulling teeth to get the new faculty who were former residents here to get to call me by my first name. heh.

 

[j4pac]

Wear a suit. Who doesn't wear a white coat in the hospital these days?

 

[FrustratedFamDoc]

I'm a dude, outpatient, and rarely now get the "you're just a baby" deal.

Solution, grey hair. Lots of it.

As for the being called nurse thing, definitely off-putting, but certainly not intentional and malicious most of the time, probably.

My parents are Jamaican, I was born in Trinidad And Tobago and have lived here since I was 6, I'm 43 now. Most people have no clue as to my ethnicity, I don't really care about ethnicity, therefore I don't care what they think I am.

Solution wise, not sure other than have one of the floor nurses introduce you to every patient on first meeting, but this may spark conversation at the nurse station when you're not around.

 

[WhiteCoatWonder]

The giant tag below your name with MD in 48 point type is the only thing I’ve seen work. And when you introduce yourself, literally hold the badge up “so they can see your name” and shove that in their faces. Can’t say it’s fair to you at all but it’s seemed to work.

this is what i do.

im mostly in the clinic now, so my patients and staff know me but this was definitely an issue in the hospital. as patients and co-physicians have been so easily bamboozled by my race/gender + physician status in the past, i went all out of my way to get a badge that says "DOCTOR" (in 48 point type). i wear it close to my face, introduce myself appropriately and people still get it wrong. however, the ratio of wrong to right designation is promisingly decreasing.

confident posture, tone and body language helps establish your psychological size for the misnomer-ers, as well. not saying its an issue for you, but i had to work on this myself. def a noticeable difference. also remember, people are entering these encounters with their own skew, may that be generational, cultural, social, etc...so presuming you are something other than what you are *the first time* is likely just due to their ignorance.

 

[Iamnew2]

this is what i do.

im mostly in the clinic now, so my patients and staff know me but this was definitely an issue in the hospital. as patients and co-physicians have been so easily bamboozled by my race/gender + physician status in the past, i went all out of my way to get a badge that says "DOCTOR" (in 48 point type). i wear it close to my face, introduce myself appropriately and people still get it wrong. however, the ratio of wrong to right designation is promisingly decreasing.

confident posture, tone and body language helps establish your psychological size for the misnomer-ers, as well. not saying its an issue for you, but i had to work on this myself. def a noticeable difference. also remember, people are entering these encounters with their own skew, may that be generational, cultural, social, etc...so presuming you are something other than what you are *the first time* is likely just due to their ignorance.

Perhaps. It doesn't help that I'm about 5'0 also. But interestingly enough, I have some of the best outcomes in terms of patient care, and thus far one of the best operating budgets in the company of hospitals I work for. So I remind myself of that too when people ask me if I'm the *nurse*. When they ask for some things, I tell them, let's get your nurse so she can help us. Oh well.

 

[HemeOncHopeful19]

Over ten years ago, a doctor posted on my regular forum here about how she is mistaken for the nurse all the time. Then, she said how she chooses to wear the same color and style of scrubs as the nurses. I guess you get what you pay for?

My wife (MD) covers a different hospital but some of her scrubs are the exact color as the standard nursing color at my hospital. Whenever she is walking around the house in these I refer to them as her “sexy nurse outfit.” She is never amused.

I notice in general a lot of patients just aren’t super in tune with exactly who is who in the medical setting. I get a surprising number of patients who think I’m their PCP and I’m like dude, I’ve seen you 10 times and all we’ve ever talked about is your cancer!

The other day one of our patients thought my med student (who happened to be female for whatever that’s worth) was the attending and I was confused for a bit about why the attending had allegedly come by to pre-round before I did.

 

[Iamnew2]

My wife (MD) covers a different hospital but some of her scrubs are the exact color as the standard nursing color at my hospital. Whenever she is walking around the house in these I refer to them as her “sexy nurse outfit.” She is never amused.

I notice in general a lot of patients just aren’t super in tune with exactly who is who in the medical setting. I get a surprising number of patients who think I’m their PCP and I’m like dude, I’ve seen you 10 times and all we’ve ever talked about is your cancer!

The other day one of our patients thought my med student (who happened to be female for whatever that’s worth) was the attending and I was confused for a bit about why the attending had allegedly come by to pre-round before I did.

Patients do seem to have a recall issue. I have seen this one patient daily for days and she asks me who I am on a daily basis - I tell her essentially every day who I am, what we have talked about, etc. It wasn't until the therapist was like oh you have to tell the doctor about your concerns regarding this and that! that she finally got it. Gee whiz!

 

[gutonc]

I notice in general a lot of patients just aren’t super in tune with exactly who is who in the medical setting. I get a surprising number of patients who think I’m their PCP and I’m like dude, I’ve seen you 10 times and all we’ve ever talked about is your cancer!

This is because you've seen them 10 times in the last 6 months, while their PCP has seen them 10 times in the last decade. So they come to you for all their primary care stuff because you're easier to get in to see.

Just say no!

 

[alina_s]

The worst is being called "miss, [my kid's] counselor." Therapist is a slight step up, but to me, they're both worse than nurse. When I was in residency, lots of vets thought I had to be a nurse.

 

[Iamnew2]

The worst is being called "miss, [my kid's] counselor." Therapist is a slight step up, but to me, they're both worse than nurse. When I was in residency, lots of vets thought I had to be a nurse.

Or as someone pointed out "lady doctor". lol. I get called ma'am alot