I use the term digital physician to describe doctors in the context of changing patterns of work and thought.  We’re doing more with digital tools.  The tools are redefining us.

Right now we worry about all the bad things that come from our digital transition.   Careers will be built confirming the tired bias that the internet is a place where good doctors go to ruin and patients are corrupted.  Clinical workflows are viewed through a dusty 20th century lens.

Once over this we’ll be able to move on with our business.

Just as motorcars became cars, digital professionalism will be professionalism.   Electronic health records will become health records again.  As virtual engagement becomes the norm rather than an option, we’ll stop worrying about what doctors do online.  We’ll worry less whether a diagnosis was made by stethoscope or pocket sized ultrasound.  We’ll go back to just worrying about what doctors do.

This new terminology is a function of our redefinition.  The ‘digital’ modifier is one small tag reflecting our change.  It represents our shifting roles and workflows.  Once the shift is complete, we won’t be digital doctors anymore.

We’ll just be doctors again.