Navigating Professional Identity as a Young Woman Physician

In my early years as a physician, I frequently encountered skepticism about my age and qualifications.

My youthful appearance was the result of the combination curly hair and freckles. It often led to surprised remarks such as, “Are you old enough to be a doctor?” or “You’re the doctor?!” While these comments weren’t typically meant as insulting, they subtly undermined my professional authority, particularly as a woman in my historically male-dominated field.

These interactions prompted me to develop a strategy: I began introducing myself as “Dr. Corriel” right at the outset of patient visits.

The approach served two purposes.

First, it immediately established my role as the physician, setting a professional tone for the encounter.

Second, it helped foster trust and confidence, paving the way for effective communication and patient care.

The Importance of Titles for Women in Medicine

For women physicians, asserting our professional identity is more than a matter of formality—it can influence how we are perceived and treated.

A 2017 study published in the Journal of Women’s Health found that female doctors are less likely to be referred to by their professional title than their male counterparts, particularly in academic settings. The study noted that male physicians were introduced with their title 72% of the time, compared to just 49% for female physicians. This disparity reflects broader societal biases and highlights the importance of consciously affirming our expertise.

In clinical practice, introducing oneself as “Dr.” can serve as a subtle but powerful reminder of our qualifications and authority. This is especially important for younger physicians or those who, like me, may not fit the stereotypical image of a doctor.

Establishing this professional boundary upfront doesn’t detract from building rapport; in fact, it can enhance the patient-doctor relationship by fostering respect and clarity.

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“The title “Doctor” isn’t about hierarchy,” wrote physician executive Bahar Sedarati MD. CPE. FCUCM, when I shared my viewpoint on my Linkedin page. “It’s about defining boundaries in the doctor-patient relationship. When you seek medical advice or treatment, a professional exchange occurs, creating a relationship governed by ethical standards.”

She continued, “This relationship exists only in clinical settings, ensuring clear boundaries. Outside this context, physicians don’t engage in social activities or personal relationships with patients to maintain professionalism. Using the title “Doctor” differentiates the caregiver from the patient, protecting both parties and upholding the ethical principles of the Hippocratic Oath.”

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Balancing Professional and Collegial Interactions

While I emphasize the importance of using my title in patient interactions, I prefer being addressed by my first name among colleagues. These are fundamentally different dynamics, with distinct purposes. In professional collaboration, first-name interactions often promote camaraderie and equality, fostering a sense of teamwork.

This dual approach underscores the flexibility required in navigating professional identity. It’s about knowing when to assert formality and when to embrace informality, depending on the context and relationship.

A Broader Perspective on Professional Names

Ultimately, how we choose to identify ourselves professionally is deeply personal. It reflects our experiences, values, and the unique paths that have shaped us.

For some, using a first name or a nickname might feel more authentic or approachable. For others, the formal title carries significant meaning, particularly for those who have faced challenges or biases along their journey.

For women in medicine, these choices can also be a form of empowerment. The road to becoming a physician is arduous, and our titles represent years of dedication, skill, and perseverance. Embracing that identity is not just about asserting authority; it’s about celebrating our achievements and breaking down barriers for the next generation.

The Statistics Behind Bias and Representation

Research underscores the challenges faced by women in medicine.

A 2022 study published in JAMA Network Open revealed that female physicians are more than twice as likely as male physicians to experience patient bias, ranging from skepticism about their qualifications to outright disrespect. These interactions can take a toll on confidence and job satisfaction, making it all the more crucial to establish professional boundaries early in patient encounters.

Moreover, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), women now make up more than 50% of medical school applicants, a historic first achieved in 2019. This shift signals progress, but also underscores the importance of addressing implicit biases that may continue to affect how women physicians are perceived and treated.

Embracing Individuality in Professional Identity

At the end of the day, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to professional identity. What matters most is finding what works for you and staying true to your values.

Whether you prefer “Dr.,” your first name, or something else entirely, your choice should reflect your authentic self and support your goals as a clinician, colleague, and individual.

For me, introducing myself as “Dr. Corriel” was a practical and empowering choice that helped me navigate the challenges of being a young woman physician. In fact, I grew an online brand, and following, around the name. Doing so has allowed me to set the tone for professional interactions, while still maintaining the warmth and approachability that were once central to my practice, and are now central to building a venture that helps promote autonomy in healthcare – the SoMeDocs venture..

In a world where biases and stereotypes still shape perceptions, such strategies can make a meaningful difference—not just for us, but for the patients and colleagues we serve.