Never Underestimate the Value of "Doctor"

by Robert Priddy
I’m always meeting with clients who are quick to say, just call me Jane or John…., and I always say to them, don’t give up “doctor.” There is a simple reason for that, it’s called credibility. Regardless of how you may feel today when it comes to the respect you receive from staff, colleagues or even patients, Physician is still the top or nearly at the top of any list of the most respected professions in America.
 
So, if you have the ability to walk into nearly any meeting with the expectation of “trust me” already on your side, why would you not? 
 
Presenting and selling ideas in business is challenging for everyone. Establishing credibility is a tough job. Becoming a physician is also a tough job, so you’ve earned everything you have. Don’t be afraid or too timid or wishing to just be a part of the gang, to use the trust and the power you’ve earned. In time, once the boundaries have been established, you can drop the “doctor,” if you wish. But initially, use the respect you’ve earned.

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The Hardest Person to Sell Is You
Most clients report to me their surprise at meeting with business people who more often than not confer a level of unexpected credibility and deference on whatever they are talking about – even topics having nothing to do with medicine or healthcare.
 
In some ways it is unfortunate that physicians come from a world (medical practice) where they are treated rather harshly, perceived to be bad business people and have little influence on any topic outside the exam/operating room. Unfortunate, because they too often carry that same set of exceptions with them when they venture into new, nonclinical settings.

So, while you may believe you’ll be pushed to the wall for your opinions in business, the person most likely to do the pushing is you. So, take a step back, consider your education, your training, your basic intellect, what you expose yourself to outside medicine and practice, and realize your thoughts, suggestions, and opinions have value – in some places a lot of value. Don’t be so hard on yourself and learn to trust your instincts.
 
And, never forget, outside of medicine, “no matter what you say, what you recommend or opine, no one is going to die based on what you say.” That’s a quote from a client of mine who was so pleasantly surprised by life outside medicine. As she noted, “I no longer feel that everything I say and do has to be perfect.”
 
So, take a chance, voice your opinions, use your experiences, and you will likely be viewed as much as an expert as you are in practice.

If you’d like to learn more, don’t hesitate to contact me for an initial Hallway Consult... Call or Text 720-339-3585 or email [email protected].
More advice by Robert Priddy-The Resume Recruiters and HR People Hate, Physician Career Change, Never Overestimate the Knowledge of Your Audience, and Self Protection Is Self Defeating