Definition of the word health professional

The term "health professional" emerged in the mid-20th century as a way to describe a diverse group of individuals who work in the fields of medicine, healthcare, and public health. Prior to this, the term "doctor" or "physician" was often used interchangeably to refer to these individuals, as the majority were in fact medical professionals. However, as the healthcare industry expanded and new roles, such as nursing, pharmacy, and therapy, became increasingly important, there was a need for a more inclusive term to describe this wider range of healthcare workers. The World Health Organization (WHO) was one of the first organizations to use the term "health professional" in its official communications, defining it as "an individual who is educated and trained in the provision of healthcare services, and who is committed to the care and well-being of patients and clients" (WHO, 2016). Today, the term "health professional" encompasses a broad range of individuals who work in a variety of settings, from hospitals and clinics to communities and research institutions. Some examples of health professionals include doctors, nurses, pharmacists, therapists, dentists, and public health specialists, among others. The use of the term "health professionals" is important because it highlights the fact that high-quality healthcare cannot be provided solely by physicians or doctors. It takes a team of individuals with different skills and expertise to deliver comprehensive, compassionate care to patients and communities. Sources: World Health Organization (WHO). (2016). Definition of health professionals. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/medicinedocs/definedterms/z21/en/ US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). (2019). Healthcare occupations. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home.htm National Association of Social Workers (NASW). (n.d.). Healthcare social workers: Careers for compassionate healers. Retrieved from https://www.socialworkers.org/scuba/career-paths/healthcaresocialworkers American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA). (2019). About nurse anesthesia. Retrieved