NJ State Board asks: Are there too many 'doctors' in medical profession?

Just who is entitled to be called "doctor" in hospitals, medical offices and other clinical settings is being considered by the State Board of Medical Examiners. Under a proposal before the board, physician assistants with doctoral degrees would be barred from using the title in clinical settings. Board member Kevin Walsh, a physician assistant, said the rule would help ease confusion among patients. "I think this is an issue, especially now that there are so many different providers, I think people should be clear as to who the providers are," Walsh said at the February 12 board meeting.