Self-denigration in pharmacy: Words to banish from the pharmacy lexicon

Pharmacists sometimes complain of a lack of respect in health care circles. We grumble that the general public seems oblivious to what we can do for them. People seem to think we are merely “pill counters” and shopkeepers. Is it possible that we are in part to blame for this? In the last issue of CPJ, we highlighted a few of these issues: avoidance of the word diagnosis1 and the use of the selfdenigrating term minor ailments.2 In fact, we disparage ourselves all the time. So often that we might not even realize it. Indeed, words and actions are important. In the first of this 2-part series, we discuss words that should be banned from the pharmacy lexicon. Table 1 provides a list of words that we often use (or allow others to use) that defame our profession and professionalism. Allied health (or paramedical, ancillary services, support services): All of these terms imply a second tier. When we use them, it perpetuates a less important and subservient role. While we are not the only ones to use these terms, it wouldn’t hurt to politely correct others to use the neutral term health care professional or health care provider. Isn’t that who and what we are? Customers/clients: Why do physicians always have patients and pharmacists sometimes have customers or clients? A customer is someone who purchases goods (from a retailer). Perhaps this relates to another disparaging term, retail, outlined below. The definition for client (someone who receives services) is consistent with our profession, but the bigger issue is that client is used for other industries that are not related to health care generally. Let’s leave the use of the term client to hairdressers. Isn’t it odd that we are health care professionals and choose to use the term client instead of patient? We took professional oaths to our “patients,” didn’t we? A patient is someone who is undergoing care or treatment. Isn’t that what we do? ROss T. Tsuyuki, PhaRmD, msC, FChsP, FaCC; NeaL m. DaVies, BsC(PhaRm), PhD, RPh