Let me first start by saying that I often dismiss Gallop polls. I believe they are usually performed via telephone and therefore biased purely due to limited number of people that will actually sit and participate in these surveys. To be honest, I worry about the credibility of someone that is not "to busy" in life to participate in these surveys.
Regardless, Gallop polls are flung around in the media constantly as verbal fodder, and whether I like it or not they do have an affect on the viewing public.
This poll released yesterday (as flawed as it may be) certainly points toward a problem.
Pharmacists Continue To Rank High In Gallup Poll, USA
Not that I believe teachers, nurses, and pharmacist do not deserve their ranking, I do! But that physicians did so poorly. The professionals that should be the most connected and personal adviser someone has, comes in 5th. Well, maybe I should be happy the profession is "in the top tier" but somehow I feel disappointed.
I'm sure I could postulate for hours about why we physicians have fallen from public grace in recent years but honestly it is of little consequence. The entire health care system is broke and Doctors as the health care leaders must take responsibility.
Responsibility to get back in touch with our patients.
Responsibility to remove insurance and corporations influences on our relationships.
Responsibility to be accountable to our patients and to earn their trust again.
i don't know... just what I think.