At the rank of assistant professor

My mom was recently talking to my grandparents about my upcoming graduation and job and she happened to mention that I would be starting as an assistant professor.  They couldn’t belive that after all of the years I’ve spent in grad school to earn my Ph.D. I would only be assisting others with teaching and research.  She explained the situation but, since my grandfather continues to ask her why I won’t be seeing patients, there is no guarantee that her effort was successful.  I’m not sure if it is a good thing or a bad thing that they’re not alone in their confusion.