This is in response to the News article by Roger Collier.1 These days many health professionals use the title “doctor.” Indeed, The Canadian Press Stylebook now decrees that the title of doctor should be reserved for physicians. Physicians, surgeons, dentists, chiropodists, university professors and, in some countries, pharmacists describe themselves as doctors. This raises the question — are they? To answer this question, one has to examine that title from both linguistic and historical standpoints.
The word doctor is derived from the Latin verb “docere,” meaning to teach, or a scholar. Only by special arrangement do any of the preceding professionals teach. Only university professors with a doctoral degree normally teach at a university. Historically speaking, the title doctor was invented in the Middle Ages to describe eminent scholars. These doctorates date back to the 1300s. Such people were accorded a lot of respect and prestige.
The PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, is the highest graduate degree awarded by our universities.
Health professionals receive undergraduate degrees in medicine. These are professional degrees, and not really doctorates. The MD degree is not a part of graduate faculties at North American universities.
It has now become fashionable to award so-called Doctor of Law degrees to undergraduate law school graduates in the form of a Juris Doctor or JD degree, including at the University of Windsor. These, too, are merely undergraduate degrees.
Because of the respect and prestige, medical schools, particularly in Scotland, started to address their graduates as doctors in the 17th century. The argument was that graduates of such schools obtain a bachelor’s degree before joining medical school. There are problems with such logic, namely, a degree past a bachelor’s degree could potentially be a master’s degree, but not a doctoral degree.
A doctoral degree (PhD) is a degree that one earns after a master’s degree. A PhD entitles a person to use the title doctor. These are the social and physical scientists who conduct and evaluate published research. A PhD degree is normally obtained after six to eight years of hard work past the bachelor’s degree.
When we are asked in a physician’s or a dentist’s office what kind of doctor we are, we respond, “the real one.” We are the ones who teach the others.
We hope that this contribution helps in clearing up the confusion in the community about the title doctor.
The Canadian Press should change its policy and stylebook to reflect these facts and this history.
This contribution should not be construed as an attack on any professional or group of professionals. The main purpose here is to educate the public.
Footnotes
Competing interests: None declared.
FAQs
Based on historical accuracy, it seems that the term “doctor” most accurately describes anyone with an advanced degree who teaches. In 2023, this applies broadly to many people achieving doctorate degrees, not just physicians.
Who should have the title doctor? ›
These days many health professionals use the title “doctor.” Indeed, The Canadian Press Stylebook now decrees that the title of doctor should be reserved for physicians. Physicians, surgeons, dentists, chiropodists, university professors and, in some countries, pharmacists describe themselves as doctors.
Should you always call a doctor a doctor? ›
If, when meeting people with doctorates, you're unsure how to address them, "Dr." is always correct. If they'd rather the title be dropped, they will let you know. It's more common for women to use the title "Doctor" socially as well as professionally than in the past.
When should you call someone a doctor? ›
The title of doctor is used for holders of doctoral degrees as well as for medical practitioners (except surgeons), dentists, and vets.
Who is higher than the doctor? ›
The directors of a hospital are industry leaders in charge of overseeing every single physician on the staff. Medical directors establish good practices and policies for the institution with the goal of high-quality patient care in mind.
Why do people call the doctor Doctor Who? ›
He has a name, and they've shown it written in Galifreyan, we just can't read it. It's a long-running joke on the show - someone refers to him (or her!) as The Doctor, and someone says “Doctor Who?” Fans inevitably laugh every time this happens. :) It's because you're using the wrong inflection when you say it.
Can NP be called a doctor? ›
So, do you call a nurse practitioner doctor? As a general rule, no, because not all nurse practitioners have a doctorate or similar qualifying degree. The general consensus is that you should use the cue they give you in their introduction, including the title they assign themselves.
Can I call myself Dr. if I have a PhD? ›
In answer to the question, “Is a PhD a doctor,” the answer is yes. Both a PhD and a professional doctorate like an EdD earn you the title of “doctor.” But there are differences between the types of doctoral degrees. Learn more about a PhD vs. a professional doctorate below.
Can PA be called a doctor? ›
PAs are not doctors but they do hold an advanced practice medical certification. PAs are not “physician's assistants” -- they are Physician Assistants -- part of your care team. Physician Assistants are not "want-to-be" doctors. We choose the PA profession because we want to be PAs.
What should a doctor not do? ›
Here are five things that really great doctors refuse to do.
- Ignore the Emotional Needs of Their Patients. A good bedside manner is of vital importance for physicians. ...
- Dispense Prescriptions Without Seeing the Patient First. ...
- Talk Down to Patients. ...
- Offer Prescriptions Based on Marketing Rather Than Their Own Judgment. ...
- Lie.
Whatever the reason, remember that you are your own best health advocate, and you are well within your rights to ask questions, request more information, and discuss — and disagree about — details of your care.
How often should you really go to the doctor? ›
While opinions vary, routine physical exams are generally recommended once a year if you're over the age of 50, and once every 3 years if you're younger than 50 and in good health. If you have a chronic disease or other ongoing health issues, you should see your doctor more often, no matter how old you are.
How can you tell a good doctor? ›
7 Essential qualities of a good doctor
- Good doctors are good communicators. ...
- Good doctors are organized and conscientious. ...
- Good doctors are empathetic and make patients feel cared for. ...
- Good doctors are curious. ...
- Good doctors are collaborative. ...
- Good doctors are persistent in advocating for their patients.
Hello, my name is [say your first name]. I'm calling to book a long appointment with Dr [name of GP] on [day you're available]. Thank you, I'd like to come at 3pm on Tuesday. I need extra time to discuss my concerns.
What is the difference between a doctor and a physician? ›
While all physicians are doctors, not all doctors are physicians. Physicians focus on patient care, have the authority to prescribe medication, and perform medical procedures, while the term “doctor” encompasses a wider range of disciplines beyond medicine.
Should you call a doctor by their first name? ›
Using a first name can violate the boundary between doctor and patient. “Doctors might find it is undermining their authority,” Dr. Roter said. “There's a familiarity that first names gives people.”
Is a DMSc called a doctor? ›
A Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) is a professional doctorate that provides advanced training in healthcare leadership. As opposed to a PhD, or academic doctorate, a professional doctorate gives you additional education and training in a specific field.
