(August 27, 2025 – Sacramento, CA) Leaders from the California Society of Anesthesiologists (CSA) and the California Society of Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery (CalDerm) have jointly published an article highlighting key findings from public opinion research on how Californians understand commonly used medical titles and specialty descriptors.
The article, published in Dermatologic Surgery, provides insights on patient understanding of medical credential terminology, training, and qualifications. The opinion research, led by senior author Dr. Hernandez Conte, Past President of CSA, was conducted by Seven Letter Insight in partnership with KP Public Affairs. Researchers set out to evaluate public understanding in light of growing concerns around “title misappropriation”, or the use of physician-like titles by non-physician practitioners.
Findings revealed that patients frequently mistake a non-physician practitioner for a specialty-trained physician, which can diminish trust in the health care system, erode the patient-clinician relationship, and adversely impact adherence to treatment plans and overall health outcomes. There are legal guidelines in California on the use of “Doctor” or “Dr.”, but the use of medical specialty titles by NPPs is far less regulated. As such, patients are frequently confused by the use of “ologist” nomenclature and the “alphabet soup” of educational degrees and specialty descriptors used across healthcare. This is especially concerning for vulnerable groups, including patients from lower socioeconomic backgrounds or those with language barriers.
“Patient-clinician trust is essential for safe, effective care,” said Dr. Hernandez Conte. “But the proliferation of confusing titles among non-physician practitioners often leaves patients unsure about the training and qualifications of the person who is actually providing their medical care. We must find ways to improve clarity and reduce confusion so patients can make informed health care decisions with full consent.”
When presented with information regarding medical “Truth-in-Advertising” laws in other states, 88% of respondents supported enacting similar legislation in California to limit the use of doctor and medical specialty (“-ologist”) titles to physicians only.
The study was an important research tool used in advocacy efforts to support the passage of stronger health care title protection legislation by the California Legislature in 2024 (AB 765 – Wood). The legislative proposal aimed to increase clarity for patients and strengthen protections against misleading title use in clinical settings. Although the legislation stalled, the outreach and advocacy efforts were effective in educating policymakers about the problem and setting the stage for future solutions.
This research was partially supported by the American Society of Anesthesiologists’ (ASA) State Grants Program, reflecting the national importance of ensuring safe, transparent communication in healthcare.
The full study, “Patient Understanding of Health Care Practitioner Titles and Specialty Descriptors in California,” was authored by Elan M. Newman MD, FAAD*; Ann F. Haas MD, FAAD†; Philip R. Levin MD, FACHE, FASA‡; Christina M. Menor MD, MS, FASA§; and Antonio Hernandez Conte MD, MBA, FASA. It is available in Dermatologic Surgery: Read the article here.
About CSA
The California Society of Anesthesiologists (CSA) is dedicated to promoting the highest standards of the medical practice of anesthesiology and advocating for safe, high-quality patient care. Learn more at www.safeanesthesiacare.com.
About CalDerm
The California Society of Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery (CalDerm) represents dermatologists across California, working to advance the specialty and protect patient access to safe, effective dermatologic care. Learn more at www.calderm.org.
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