Chapter 6: Escape from the Corporation

Chapter 6 hints at struggles within the medical profession that pervade today. Even within the elevated rank of physician are strata that separate the "regular" doctor from the specialist. Some of this is attributable to popular television, which is an information source for many people. On shows such as Grey's Anatomy, House or E.R., the doctors who get the most attention are not the General Practitioners, but the specialists, the renowned plastic surgeon or neurosurgeon or the doctor who only takes the most complicated cases. This is further propagated by the online informational sites that many people consult daily to supplant the need for a doctor for every ache and pain. Often, these sites contain a recommendation to seek further help from a doctor specializing in the field. While a specialist is certainly an expert, general practitioners are also highly knowledgeable and in many cases, can treat a variety of common afflictions.

The chapter also hints at the division between physician and other medical professions, one which also persists today. Indeed, although they often work together seamlessly, the division between nurses and physicians is not only significantly separated by gender, but by authority as well. Like the specialists of the early 20th century who were highly qualified for X-ray or radiology, the level of training for associated medical professionals seems to be continually on the rise, no doubt in an attempt to secure some of the authority physicians fought for in the early decades of organized medicine. Physical therapists, for example, are now required to have a PhD to practice. Although the PTs who were certified when it was a B.S. or M.S., the continued rising bar to practice is becoming a barrier to entry for some people. Similarly, nurse practitioners currently require only a masters. However, people within the industry estimate that within a decade, NPs will be required to hold a PhD. The legitimacy we associate with education is forcing many specialists, who are highly qualified with current qualifications, to receive higher and higher degrees to remain competitive and ensure authority.