Competition

Chapter 3 explores ways in which physicians should distinguish their practice from other healthcare workers. One of Bacchylides’ odes exposes how Greek physicians sought to differentiate themselves from athletic trainers. These efforts were motivated by trainers’ success at winning business rather than concerns about their quality. The recent decision to unite postgraduate training in allopathic and osteopathic medicine in the United States offers a positive model for addressing competition, driven by concern for optimal patient care. Distinctions between healthcare practitioners should be rooted in demonstrated differences in outcomes, while all legitimate practitioners should be embraced. The goal is to provide the fundamental elements of care that patients value, including successful treatment outcomes and the affiliative and compassionate care.