Can a person with a Pharm.D. call themselves "Dr. ..."?

[rxlea]

That being said, since we don't have specific titles, if a person has a doctorate it's respectful to call them Dr. (As long as they aren't in a medical setting.)

Nobody cares :beer:

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[WVUPharm2007]

I have to admit that this is very much how I feel, especially where the medical field is concerned as it may mislead/confuse patients. I also feel that professors etc shouldn't be called Dr either. I do agree that people most definitely deserve respect for getting a PhD, or whatever other type of doctorate, but I really wish there were better terms for each one. I Personally feel that the title "doctor" should be reserved for physicians - MD or DO. Then professors with PhDs could be called Master, or something. Some other, respectable title. Other doctorates would have their own title as well. Just my personal thoughts on it.

Or perhaps physicians could just stop using an academic title. Instead of saying, "I'm doctor such and such" they could say, "I'm physician duch-and-such." Just make "Physician" the new special, fantastic, elitist title. Then there isn't any confusion. Everyone else on the planet will chuckle and roll their eyes, but, hey, whatever.

And being that the holders of PhDs are the ones that INVENTED the entire concept of replacing their proper titles in the first place, its kind of douchetastic to proclaim that they should no longer be able to use the title. Physicians are the ones that stole that concept, mind you. The academics have been doing their thing since the dark ages. Y'all Johnnie come latelies think you can have a hundred year history and steal it from them. Pffft.

Of course, this entire discussion is idiotic to begin with being that nobody in the real world that matters gives a ****, anyway.

 

[owlegrad]

And being that the holders of PhDs are the ones that INVENTED the entire concept of replacing their proper titles in the first place, its kind of douchetastic to proclaim that they should no longer be able to use the title.

I am borderline stunned that you don't love the idea of a group of people, perhaps with even bigger egos than professors, successfully stealing their precious title from them.

 

[WVUPharm2007]

Really, the idea of giving a pharmacist or physician a doctorate is idiotic, anyway. A holder of a doctorate is supposed to have the highest degree of knowledge in a subject that can be reasonably expected.

If that standard was true, there wouldn't have to be residencies (or the "beat in" period for those that don't do residencies) for either profession. You'd know everything out of the box.

And we all know how stupid a newly minted MD/PharmD is. Penis-in-blender stupid. Kill patients every day if not monitored stupid.

Both academic programs REALLY SHOULD be bachelor level degrees. With a masters' degree after residency and doctorate after a fellowship. That would make sense.

 

[banksy]

Really, the idea of giving a pharmacist or physician a doctorate is idiotic, anyway. A holder of a doctorate is supposed to have the highest degree of knowledge in a subject that can be reasonably expected.

If that standard was true, there wouldn't have to be residencies (or the "beat in" period for those that don't do residencies) for either profession. You'd know everything out of the box.

And we all know how stupid a newly minted MD/PharmD is. Penis-in-blender stupid. Kill patients every day if not monitored stupid.

Both academic programs REALLY SHOULD be bachelor level degrees. With a masters' degree after residency and doctorate after a fellowship. That would make sense.

alright. but what about regular mail delivered to your house? is it alright to just slap Dr onto your name on those?

 

[Crosbyfan87]

What about the people who did PharmD plus a residency (PGY-1 and PGY-2). Would it be more appropriate to call them Dr.'s instead of a "normal" pharmacist?

I ask that because in Canada, we still have the BSc. Pharmacy system. Go to university, enroll in Science, do the pre-reqs and apply for BSc. Pharmacy... then after you're done that, you can apply for a PharmD which is additional training (like PGY-1 and PGY-2 in US). I think those people have a legit reason to be called Dr. Normal pharmacist? mehh.

 

[rxlea]

Nobody cares :beer:

 

[jokersmiles]

Dent and Med schools are definitely professional schools, not graduate programs...professional schools are schools that train you for a PROFESSION. convenient name there. You chose to apply/attend these schools because you know what you want to do with your life, and are taking the measures to get there. When you graduate from Dent, Med, Law, Pharm, Opt, and whatever else, you are allowed to practice in that profession (given that you passed licensing exams).

PhD awardees get to brag that they know a lot about what they got their degree in, and they get a higher salary. They can do a lot of other things too, i just did not take the time to look it all up as that is not what i want to do.

Also, Dentists and Doctors actually get to write prescriptions. Pharmacists do not. now there is some leeway here and there, but someone cannot come up to you at the counter and you cannot check them out and give them something, they must have a prescription from a physician or dentist (yes, dentists give out prescriptions...i got one for special toothpaste once??). Same with psychiatrists. Psychiatrists are the only ones who are allowed to write prescriptions in treating mental diseases because they have a PhD in psychology AND went to med school.

Most importantly, Lawyers, for sure, cannot write prescriptions (thank god).

Pharmacists are called "doctors" just as much as a Lawyer is called a "doctor"

 

[Rouelle]

Just when we all had forgotten that this thread existed another necro bump...

 

[Confused321]

A.) Are you guys serious? Do you know the amount of time and effort it takes to get a PhD? Are you even aware of the timeline and processes that occur in graduate school? Becoming a candidate which entails a qualifying exams that is not particularly easy due to the fact of concentrating on your specific field of study, meet with your committee members to talk about the specific research experiments you will be performing... it's not easy. Along with that you'll have to take a few classes relative to your field of research. Not to mention, you have to write a thesis, defend it with the data you obtained in front of a group of expertises in your specialization, and publish a bunch of papers to back up every little detail that these expertises may pick at (which most of you on here probably cannot attest to). It's a lot of work getting a PhD. Some less than others, but the schooling is none like anything you have seen. In undergrad you are basically told what to do and how to do it and your life is mapped out for you. In Grad school you have a committee explain to you what experiments they suggest, and then you figure out everything on your own. Sure you have a mentor or a PI to help you along the way but ultimately, you take on the work. Ever wonder why some graduate students have bags under their eyes? So, it would be pure disrespect to not call your professor Dr. so and so, since they are the ones with a specific knowledge in a specific field which they will pass on to you. It makes A LOT of sense. And by the way, I'm pretty sure the term "doctor", is actually broken down to mean teacher, adviser and scholar. doct- meaning to teach or show and er- meaning "one who" (thank you medical terminology). Not to mention the fact that before society starting using the term colloquially every doctor that was seen or mentioned was usually in theology. So if you ask me, your "bent out of shape professors" are actually right. Doctors can be applied professional and academic. http://dctech.com/physics/features/0203.php
http://forums.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?t=27711

B.) Let's just end it right here. You have a doctorate, than by golly gee wiz you have the right to be called a doctor. If only i could get the rest of you to look at the big picture. Whether someone wants to be called a doctor or not is completely up to them, but if they were not a doctor they would not have a doctorate. Pharmacist, Physicians, even RN's who go on to obtain their doctorates of whatever kind, and Lawyers holding the ever so coveted JD degree are all doctors. Once again, Doctor does not = Physician. And just because someone with a DOCTORATE degree wants to be referred as a doctor and isn't in medicine it doesn't mean they are bitter Med school rejects. Get it through your heads people. Not everyone wants to take that plunge, some people have different views on what they want to do with their lives. So pelase, stop pulling out that "bitter med school reject card" it's as old and lame as the 'I have a black friend" and race card. Have a great day

Oh. Ps. For those of you who completely object to this, go sit down with your professor and continue to call them Mrs or Mr. antaganizingly. It would make for a great humbling experience, I'm sure.

Hello

I think that a pharmacist is definitely a doctor.
But I personally never call them "doctor" when I do to CVS to pick up my prescription
I usually just say "Hi, can I have this" ..... and thats it.

But I do think they are a doctor but I never call them it

 

[owlegrad]

Just when we all had forgotten that this thread existed another necro bump...

Never forget.

 

[Amicable Angora]

It's sad to see the amount of people who don't understand how much harder a solid science PhD is to get than an average MD degree for example.

 

[jokersmiles]

Actually some pharmacists can prescribe! And a pharmacist is "a person trained in the healing arts and licensed to practice."

what exactly is a pharmacist allowed to prescribe ? I've never heard of this.

 

[Sugoi Travis]

what exactly is a pharmacist allowed to prescribe ? I've never heard of this.

Oregon pharmacists can prescribe birth control.

 

[Amicable Angora]

So, if someone graduates with a Pharm.D, and becomes a licensed pharmacist, can they call them selves "Dr. Smith, Jones (or to use a movie reference that I'm sure many of you will recognize) Green, Black, Pink..."?

Can they put PhD after their signature, or is it not the same thing?

BTW if you decide to go to pharmacy solely because of this reason I would suggest you move on.

 

[Confused321]

Oregon pharmacists can prescribe birth control.

is this all that they can prescribe? given that pharmacists know more about drugs than other professionals I thought they would have more power than that

 

[Rukn]

Technically you can since you earned a doctorate degree, but I've never called myself doctor and never will. It sounds ridiculous to call yourself that when standing behind a cash register at a chain ringing up someones groceries.

 

[mjmjoa]

Technically you can since you earned a doctorate degree, but I've never called myself doctor and never will. It sounds ridiculous to call yourself that when standing behind a cash register at a chain ringing up someones groceries.

What about clinical/research pharmacists? Sounds like you have some flawed logic there pal.

 

[Rukn]

What about clinical/research pharmacists? Sounds like you have some flawed logic there pal.

lol "clinical pharmacists"

The doctors handbook

Ridiculous that they call themselves "doctor" in a setting with actual physicians

 

[mjmjoa]

lol "clinical pharmacists"

The doctors handbook

Ridiculous that they call themselves "doctor" in a setting with actual physicians

Uhh what? So first you say they're not doctors because they're cashiers, and now you say doctors don't exist outside physicians? Sounds like you're a little misguided there buddy,

 

[TheBlaah]

Uhh what? So first you say they're not doctors because they're cashiers, and now you say doctors don't exist outside physicians? Sounds like you're a little misguided there buddy,

The point is, in a hospital environment, it would only serve to confuse hospital staff if you went around calling yourself a doctor, as a pharmacist, when everybody associates "doctor" with physician as that's what they call themselves as well. You would only be shooting yourself in the foot as you'll have to immediately clarify afterwards that you're the pharmacist. Either that or you'll be confusing all the staff and misrepresenting yourself.

I don't know about research pharmacists. I suppose they could be called "doctors" just like faculty do in that it's an isolated environment with no other disciplines. But generally people who go into research also obtain a PhD.

 

[Rukn]

Uhh what? So first you say they're not doctors because they're cashiers, and now you say doctors don't exist outside physicians? Sounds like you're a little misguided there buddy,

lol pre-pharm

 

[mjmjoa]

The point is, in a hospital environment, it would only serve to confuse hospital staff if you went around calling yourself a doctor, as a pharmacist, when everybody associates "doctor" with physician as that's what they call themselves as well. You would only be shooting yourself in the foot as you'll have to immediately clarify afterwards that you're the pharmacist. Either that or you'll be confusing all the staff and misrepresenting yourself.

I don't know about research pharmacists. I suppose they could be called "doctors" just like faculty do in that it's an isolated environment with no other disciplines. But generally people who go into research also obtain a PhD.

Okay? But they're still doctors. I call my professors Dr. _____ all the time. It's respectful. If you have a doctorate degree then you are a doctor. Sounds like you have some narrow view of what a doctor is.

 

[Rukn]

Okay? But they're still doctors. I call my professors Dr. _____ all the time. It's respectful. If you have a doctorate degree then you are a doctor. Sounds like you have some narrow view of what a doctor is.

Your professors couldn't handle retail, thats why they teach

They are only "doctors" at your school

You think they introduce themselves as "Dr. __" in their clinics?

 

[mjmjoa]

Your professors couldn't handle retail, thats why they teach

They are only "doctors" at your school

You think they introduce themselves as "Dr. __" in their clinics?

Point is they are still doctors of something, thus can be called doctors. Nuff' said. Not rocket science. Your logic that only physicians are doctors is stupid.

 

[TheBlaah]

Okay? But they're still doctors. I call my professors Dr. _____ all the time. It's respectful. If you have a doctorate degree then you are a doctor. Sounds like you have some narrow view of what a doctor is.

Nobody here disputed whether or not they're doctors. You're misinterpreting both my and Rukn's posts. Rukn even says he's technically a doctor. Your argument needs to be about whether or not it's appropriate to be called a doctor in whatever setting. I was just explaining how impractical it is to call yourself a doctor in a hospital setting. I certainly don't mind if other pharmacists call themselves Dr.


Yes, anybody with a professional doctorate COULD be called a doctor, if you really wanted to. Similarly, you become a lawyer and ask to be called Dr. Whoever, but why would you? It says something about a person who absolutely insists on having people call them Dr.

 

[Corpseman]

No, it is illegal to call someone with a pharmD Dr.

 

[darknightzzz]

is this all that they can prescribe? given that pharmacists know more about drugs than other professionals I thought they would have more power than that

they know about drugs, but that is all they know. they don't study deep in clinical illnesses and proper treatment, complications, etc etc.
in short, they just know about drugs.

you don't want someone to just know about drugs prescribe something for you.

 

[musicplease]

in retail nobody calls pharmacists "Dr", most people simply ask for their medications.
clinical pharmacists are not called doctors because this would confuse people and make them think hes a physician.
even outside of work if a pharmacist introduced himself as a doctor he would have to elaborate that he is a pharmacist and not an MD anyway.
pharmacist are only called doctors by students in academic settings.

 

[JDunc]

I am a grad student going for a M.S. and PhD. So I look at things a little different than most on here.

Pharmacy is a doctorate degree hence they are a "doctor." A PhD is a doctorate degree hence they are a "doctor" as well. The thing is though, 99% of the general population considers a doctor as an MD/DO. Someone who could diagnose and treat their illnesses.

Personally, even after I get my PhD, I will not call myself Dr. JDunc outside an academic setting. I worked in a private research institution and the PhD holders there do not call themselves Dr. So and So. It is a first name basis there.

I feel the only person who has the right to introduce themselves as Dr. So and so is an MD/DO.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Chriskahn]

they know about drugs, but that is all they know. they don't study deep in clinical illnesses and proper treatment, complications, etc etc.
in short, they just know about drugs.

you don't want someone to just know about drugs prescribe something for you.

Thats like saying a dentist only cleans teeth, you dont want someone that cleans teeth to prescribe something for you

Actually in order to "know about drugs", you need to understand the indications as well. So yes, we do study pretty deep in clinical illnesses, proper treatment, complications, etc etc.

 

[Member012345678]

"Can someone who earned a doctorate degree in Field X be referred to as 'doctor'"

I have seen this question all over the internet and on forums. People have all kinds of ideas about this; some of them are spot-on, some are arrogant and ill-informed. The answer to this question isn't that complicated.

If you've earned a doctorate degree, whether that is a MD/DO, PhD (in any field), CScD, EdD, DPT, DC, JD, DDS, AuD, DD, PharmD, PsyD, SLPD, OTD, DNP, ClinSciD, etc., you have earned the right to be referred to as 'Dr. Bennifer Honeypants' (or whatever your name is); if you finished a doctoral degree from a regionally accredited university (this is for the U.S.; not sure how accreditation at universities works in other countries) , you can legitimately and honestly carry the title 'Dr.' Don't let anyone try to tell you otherwise.

The problem is not with the title 'Dr'...the problem is with people using it inappropriately and/or to mislead. It is unethical for a DPT or AuD(or any non-MD/DO doctor) to enter a patient's hospital room and pretend to be a physician. This works the other way, however; it just as unethical for a MD/DO to enter a physical rehabilitation clinic and let patients believe they are a DPT, or for an MD/DO to enter the physics department at a university and pretend to be a professor of physics.

If an employee at a hospital, with an earned doctorate that is related to the field in which they are working at that hospital, enters a patient's room it is ethical to clarify what field at that hospital they work in (which serves to let the patient know their area of expertise). For instance, the speech-language pathologist with a clinical doctoral degree (SLPD or CScD) at a hospital should introduce themselves to the patient like so: "Hello, I'm Dr. Bennifer Honeypants. I'm your speech-language pathologist today." The DPT with a clinical doctoral degree at a hospital should introduce themselves to the patient like so: "Hello, I'm Dr. Bennifer Honeypants. I'm your physical therapist today." If there is any indication that the patient thinks you are a medical doctor (either through asking you outright or through asking questions that are outside you area of expertise), it is that person's duty to tell the patient, "That's a good question. However, I am not a medical doctor. That would be a great question to ask her/him when you see her/him."). This action absolutely applies to MDs/DOs as well; when seeing a patient at a hospital, the MD/DO should introduce themselves to the patient like so: "Hello, I'm Dr. Bennifer Honeypants. I am your physician today," or "Hello, I'm Dr. Bennifer Honeypants. I am your oncologist." Likewise, if a MD/DO is giving a lecture in a biology department to a class full of PhD candidates, they should tell the room, "Hello. I'm Dr. Honeypants. I am a medical doctor." If you have earned a legitimate doctorate degree from a legitimate university and are on an airplane and someone starts having seizures, and the person next to them shouts out, "Is anyone here a doctor?", you are acting beyond unethically if you rush over and say "I'm a doctor!" when your doctorate degree is a PharmD, SLPD, DPT, etc. and not an MD/DO.

See how easy that is? It seems that most of the arguments about who can and cannot call themselves Doctor on forums and editorials online and elsewhere are nothing more than d*ck measuring contests. If you earned a doctorate from a legitimate university, you have earned the right to be referred to as 'Doctor', but it is YOUR ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITY to not misrepresent yourself to others by clarifying exactly what type of doctor you are.

 

[JavariPharmD23]

Lawyers have JDs, but I've yet to hear a lawyer (without an MD or Ph. D) insist on being called "doctor". I think it's inappropriate for non-MDs to call themselves "doctor" in a health care setting, as that + white coat is going to make patients think you are an MD, when you are not. And if you are in retail pharmacy and insist on being called doctor, people are going to think you are a douchebag.

Yeah, we're all earning or have earned our doctorates, and can all technically use the title of "doctor." But besides your own mother, don't be surprised if no body wants to call you that.

So is it wrong for a dentist to call themselves doctor? Bottom line, if you have any type of Doctorate you've eared the right to call yourself Dr.

 

[Jibby321]

I called on a RX written by a NP for a drug interaction I asked for “insert first name” I get transferred someone answers the phone “this is Dr. Last name” I said “I need to speak with “a NP first name” regarding a potential drug interaction for a newly prescribed RX blah blah, she replied yes this is “Dr. Last name NP” I giggled from this experience and make sure to always call DNPs by their first name when I call offices. I guess a lot of their office staff actually refer to them as Dr?