Avoid language that offends

by Vicki Rackner, MD

When you speak with physicians, what words do you use to describe the most sweeping health care reform in 50 year?   The Affordable Care Act?  Obamacare?

For years I used Obamacare.  "Obamacare" is four syllables; "the Affordable Care Act" is almost twice as long.  In this crazy-busy world, brevity supports success. Further, President Obama's use of the word suggested it was neutral.

A recent public conversation lead me to rethink this choice.  

An article I wrote was picked up by Doximity (the LinkedIn for Doctors) in which I offered ideas about physicians can position themselves for success. The last paragraph with the call to action included the word  "Obamacare."

This article generated a fair amount of conversation.  An academic physician commented, "This was a great article until the author made an unfounded comment about the ACA!"  Suddenly the conversation shifted from the ideas posed in the article to the use of one of the 985 words in the article.  

Words matter.  Words can mean different things to different people.  Words laden with emotional charge are stored in different parts of the brain than neutral words. 

Words can build bridges--or walls.  Do the words you use support your success?

Here's a video with thee tips about how to avoid offending physician prospects and clients.

What do you think?

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