PhD -- do you use the title Dr?

[jdb in AZ]

I worked at a college where the professors were very proud of their doctorates, deservedly so. The deans and the college president also used the title Dr.

My aunt has her PhD in psychiatric nursing and is married to an ear, nose, and throat specialist. In correspondence she uses both their titles -- Dr Ann and Dr John.

Another uncle was an attorney with a juris doctorate degree. He told his kids they could address him as "Dr. Cook" but another attorney (also a relative) said the title was inappropriate.

Do you think the title doctor should be reserved for the medical profession?

 

[Heather07438]

Sure. They earned a doctorate so use the prefix if inclined. MD suffix helps the confused determine who is going to ask them to cough or not.

We bought DS a plot of conservation land in Scotland so he could have the title Lord, lol. Kind of to use as a joke since he was to travel with his HS Highlander Band there. Unfortunately Covid changed those plans... but he's still a Lord

https://www.highlandtitles.com/find-my-plot/
Nobody was really sure if he was from the House of Lords

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

No. Doctor should not be reserved for just medical doctors. In fact the doctor of divinity predates the doctor of medicine.
Lawyers who have a JD should not be addressed as Doctor as that is not their terminal degree.

By the way the term "doctor" is their professional designation. You don't have to call your neighbor "doctor" in a run of the mill social situation.

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

Considering it started in academics and literally means teacher, I absolutely think they should be able to.

https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/the-history-of-doctor
That said, I don’t think a juris doctorate should

 

[Kestryl]

I have a PhD. I use “Dr.” in every occasion a title is needed or requested, because that’s my title. It’s not “Ms.” or “Mrs.” It’s “Dr.”

Now, that doesn’t happen too often. But, for example, if someone introduces me As “Mrs. [Last Name],” I will correct it gently. Or if everyone else is addressed by their titles, I will point out mine as well. (I was at a conference and all the men were introduced as “Dr. [Last Name],” but I was introduced as “[First Name].” Hm. That didn’t sit well with me.)

“Dr.” should not be restricted to medical doctor. One of the silliest arguments I’ve seen is that non-medical doctors wouldn’t answer flight attendant asking, “Is there a doctor on board?” Hello, we understand context. We know this is code for “medical emergency.” I would also hope that a nurse, physicians assistant, or anyone with emergency medical training would be willing to step in, even if they aren’t a “doctor.” Sometimes a registered nurse who works in the ER is better suited to deal with an issue than a medical doctor.

I mean, seriously. Do people think that dentists shouldn’t use “Dr.” either? I know mine doesn’t have an MD.

 

[Suger Mag]

Hell yeah I use Dr. when I want to... (although I often tell my students to use my first name). But I worked hard for that degree. It is not some honorary gift. I earned it through my sweat and tears.

It is particularly infuriating when people who have not achieved that level of academic training... ie a BA or BS telling a PhD they should not use the term Dr. (like that WSJ editorial)... LOL... earn one yourself... and then we will talk about who should or shouldn't.

No I don't hold honorary degrees to the same standard. Those are a symbolic degree, and I do not consider those the same as someone who earned their doctorate the old fashioned way... through study and suffering.

 

[Ellie008]

I have a lot of friends with PhDs. They are addressed as Dr in professional settings. None of them have friends or children use that title, but really how many people have friends/children calling them Mr/Ms? I know how hard these people worked for their degrees, and I do believe the title is deserved. I also can't understand the "confusion" about Dr vs medical Dr. It doesn't really come up that often, and context generally makes it very clear what the meaning is.

 

[disneygirlsng]

I'm in a weird medical profession where the vast majority have a Doctorate degree, but we tend to go by our first names to patients. It's actually a big topic in our profession because we find that most of the general public has no idea that most of us are doctors, mostly because we typically do not use that title. But I am very proud of my Doctorate degree and will use that title when I can.

 

[JaxDad]

I think those with PhDs should use the title Doctor if they choose. It's a great accomplishment. FWIW, it's been my experience that those with PhDs that use Doctor most regularly are from the liberal arts.

 

[mrodgers]

By the way the term "doctor" is their professional designation. You don't have to call your neighbor "doctor" in a run of the mill social situation.

If I knew the person close enough, Doctor would probably be what I called them as their nickname. Kinda similar to how we've been calling a guy at work Captain, not because he captains any kind of ship, but because he sunk his little fishing boat out at the lake back in 1996 and we still call him Captain to this day. All the new people think it's because his name is Kirk, but its really from his sinking his boat.

 

[cjlong88]

I received my doctorate in 2017. It’s incredibly difficult to achieve a terminal degree, no matter what the subject matter is. You are considered an expert in your field with such a distinction, so I wholly believe it’s important to use the correct prefix in a professional setting.

My students call me “Dr.” but if they call me “Mr.” (usually by accident) I don’t correct them, I don't get upset, nor do I ask or remind them to do so. My colleagues and friends just call me by my first name. Same with family. But it’s also clear that some of my students, friends, and family think I just paid a bunch of money and waltzed through a building and someone just gave me a piece of paper.

They don’t just hand them out. You have to prove you have the knowledge, insight, and critical thinking skills worthy of a terminal degree. The best in your field are asking you questions and challenging your views and expecting you to keep up with them. It’s certainly intimidating.

If someone earned their doctorate, I always call them doctor unless they specify otherwise.

 

[Pink Partridge]

I work in an environment where there are both physicians and educators. The educators with PhDs are far more demanding about being referred to as "Doctor" than the physicians. It's obnoxious and the power play is downright embarrassing.

I have one co-worker that insists everyone (including the actual physicians) call her Dr., even during informal situations. Her degree is in political science.

 

[kanerf]

I am disappointed that having two Master's degrees I still can't use the title Master.

 

[Jennasis]

I have always known those with a PhD to be referred to as Dr. It's an earned titled and should be used.

 

[kdonnel]

Words change meaning over time. I believe the majority of people think of medical doctor first when someone is introduced as doctor despite the initial meaning of the word.

I think there will come a time where non medical doctors will get a new title and Dr will be reserved for medical doctors.

 

[nkereina]

I've never heard of someone with a juris doctor degree being referred to as "Dr". I have a family of lawyers, and that's never come up. Similarly, the designation "Esq" should be reserved for lawyers acting in a legal capacity. If you have a law degree, but are working somewhere in a non-legal capacity, it would be inappropriate to use "Esq" at the end of your name in emails or signatures. But, this is the only etiquette thing I'd consider when it comes to these titles. I've always referred to those who hold PhD's as "Dr", but I do agree it can easily be misconstrued as a medical doctor.

 

[Cogswel_Cogs]

I guess anybody can do what they want, but is it okay for me to be called Master Joe? Cause that jus sounds wrong.
I mean I have to say if i was dying and someone dragged me over to a Doctor in Engineering just to have the person explain, "Oh no I'm not a Doctor." If not dead, I'd be a little mad..

 

[Cogswel_Cogs]

One thing that would bother me is if it was not nearly as much schooling which sadly I do not know answer to.

 

[kanerf]

Well, Master Sergeant and Master Chief are titles and ranks.

 

[NannyBeBe]

My daughter is very highly educated, including a JD. But the only initials she uses after her name, and only when appropriate, are NBCT -- National Board Certified Teacher. I believe she is more proud of that accomplishment than any of the other degrees she has. I believe a person has the right to use whatever title they have earned, but what's important is what they have done with all the education they have. If one is not serving one's fellow man, the titles mean nothing.