This thoughtful review penned by the American College of Physicians Ethics, Professionalism and Human Rights Committee argues the term “provider” exemplifies the deprofessionalization of physicians and inextricable erosion of medical ethics brought to us by the commercialization of medicine. Ultimately, the term blurs distinctions in training, expertise, and ethical responsibility among clinicians. At its core, medicine is a fiduciary profession—not a commercial transaction—and language shapes both physician identity and public trust. “Provider” does to reflect the historical and moral weight embedded in words like “physician” and “patient” and works to dissolve the sanctity of the patient–physician relationship. | Sulmasy, Ann Intern Med 2026
