IN NEED OF A SERIOUS OPINION :o

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alveoli89

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Hey fellow SDNers.

I have a situation to present you guys that are pre-pharm. So, I was recently at a gathering where the topic of how to address pharmacists came up. I was insulted to hear by one guy that people do not address pharmacists as doctors but instead by their names. I quickly defended my future profession by stating that pharmacists are indeed addressed as "DOCTORS OF PHARMACY" and that they have the title of pharmacist or doctor. Without a doubt, pharmacists have the option of not calling themselves doctors but don't all medical doctors, dentists, optometrists, and vets all have that same option?? So can you guys share with me your opinion? What would you have said in response to someone's statement that "pharmacists are not referred to as doctors." 😡
 
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=304495&highlight=pharmacist+called+doctors

I don't know how I feel about the situation. In retail settings I'm confident I would go by my name. I don't need inflated titles of self-importance to gain respect. That's not to say I wouldn't whip it out if someone is being ornery.

In a hospital setting I think I would avoid it simply to avoid confusion with patients. I will not be a medical doctor when I get my degree, and thus I will not be trained to handle certain situations. I do not want a patient misinterpreting what I am capable of.

But I have a long time to figure out my true opinion on the matter.
 
This is an interesting post; a subject matter I've contemplated on more than one occasion. On one hand, we are going to work darn hard to get that PharmD degree, and would therefore deserve to be called "doctor," but at the same time, I wouldn't address a DPT or DNP with the prefix "doctor." I think it's probably like most things, as the doctorate in pharmacy continue to gain respect, more people will begin to use it. I call my dentist and veterinarian "Doctor." Perhaps it will just come with time.
 
alveoli89 said:
What would you have said in response to someone's statement that "pharmacists are not referred to as doctors." 😡
Click to expand...

If someone feels a need to be called "doctor," then they probably have an inflated ego, and I'm not a fan of inflating it further. After a few hospital experiences and 2 years of retail experience, I can say that most pharmacists I've met (anecdote alert) go by their first name unless you're in an academic setting.

When I work with someone, they're "John." When that same person comes to teach a lecture at my school, I address them as "Dr. Doe."

I try to be moderate in most things, though, so I guess maybe that's why I don't see this being a big deal? :shrug:

I mean, when was the last time you called a lawyer "doctor?" I would wager most people don't think of them that way, even though they also get doctorates to enter their profession.
 
pharm B said:
If someone feels a need to be called "doctor," then they probably have an inflated ego, and I'm not a fan of inflating it further. After a few hospital experiences and 2 years of retail experience, I can say that most pharmacists I've met (anecdote alert) go by their first name unless you're in an academic setting.

When I work with someone, they're "John." When that same person comes to teach a lecture at my school, I address them as "Dr. Doe."

I try to be moderate in most things, though, so I guess maybe that's why I don't see this being a big deal? :shrug:

I mean, when was the last time you called a lawyer "doctor?" I would wager most people don't think of them that way, even though they also get doctorates to enter their profession.
Click to expand...

Lawyers usually choose to go with the title "Esquire" if they are practicing law, which is applied at the end of their name (unless they're in an academic setting, then they may use Dr. Name, JD). I certainly see a lot of attorneys that use Their Name, Esq. in signature, but it's kind of ridiculous to speak to someone and call them esquire.
 
i'm on a first name basis with my attending and the fellows at rounds

we do the division of "doctor" vs. "pharmacist" when it involves patients on the floors/clinic because of confusion. doctor is still associated with medical doctor in the healthcare setting. hell, people say "water pill" and "beetus meds"...do you really expect patients to figure out minutiae with professional degrees? i wouldn't.

look at it this way, if you're an english lit. post-doc pulling extra hours at the hospital as a unit clerk (hey it could happen), no one is going to refer to you as doctor to a patient.

when i'm talking to patients, i say "physician" to be more specific...with the advent of the DNP, increased PharmD's on the floors, and other doctor degrees within healthcare, we should be going in this direction.

but if someone insists on students/interns/etc... calling them doctor on the floors/within a pharmacy (academia excluded), they're an asshoole, plain and simple.
 
xtsukiyox said:
I told my parents I was going to be a doctor (of pharmacy). They seemed to like the sound of "doctor" combined with my last name. :shrug:
Click to expand...

Oh sure, parents love the sound of doctor, no question. :laugh:

But no one will ever say, "May I speak with the DOCTOR OF PHARMACY please". 😆
 
Calling a pharmacist by his or her first name is totally fine. I don't see any problems with that. I prefer to be called by my first name, it makes me feel younger and I know I need that!!!! Last thing I want is to sound OLD.

If I MUST have everyone call me DOCTOR 100% of the time then I would have gone to medical school. LOL...If you feel that you MUST BE CALLED DOCTOR 100% of the time...then go to medical school. It's that simple.
 
You do reserve the right to be called a "doctor" if you received a doctorate level degree, but like most folks have said already, doing that outside of an academic setting will make look like an ass. If one of your professors is also one of your preceptors, I think it would be appropriate to call them Dr. Joe vs "John" if you're still within a teaching evironment. I've seen this plenty of time. If I'm simply working with you and this was outside of you precepting, I would call you by your first name (unless you had a problem with it). It's a pretty complex topic.
 
It sounds like the consensus is that if you are in a situation where you'd call someone "Mr. Doe," for heaven's sake, use their proper title instead ("Dr."). This would be applicable for anyone who's achieved a doctorate (PhD, AuD, whatevs), or anyone who prides him/herself on a title - i.e., Reverand. (I don't think I've ever heard anyone outside the military ask to be called "Captain" or "PFC" over Mr./Ms.)

But most people like to go by their first names, pharmacists included. Hospital pharmacists have more reason to do so (avoid confusion) than most people.

This just follows the rules of courtesy. If I were introduced to someone at a formal party, I would attempt to call them Mr/Ms as appropriate. I'd rely on the host to clue me in during the introduction if it should be Dr., and if the person corrected me & asked me to use their first name, I'd honor the request. Well, at least, that's what my momma taught me is good manners. 😀

PS, yes, I've had one guy insist that I call him Reverand on the phone and that his bank statements & bank card say "Rev." on them.
 
alveoli89 said:
Hey fellow SDNers.

I have a situation to present you guys that are pre-pharm. So, I was recently at a gathering where the topic of how to address pharmacists came up. I was insulted to hear by one guy that people do not address pharmacists as doctors but instead by their names. I quickly defended my future profession by stating that pharmacists are indeed addressed as "DOCTORS OF PHARMACY" and that they have the title of pharmacist or doctor. Without a doubt, pharmacists have the option of not calling themselves doctors but don't all medical doctors, dentists, optometrists, and vets all have that same option?? So can you guys share with me your opinion? What would you have said in response to someone's statement that "pharmacists are not referred to as doctors." 😡
Click to expand...

Pharmacists are doctors. But in most cases we are not addressed that way. And, in my opinion, why does that matter? I don't think you need to be all worked up over that because everyone knows you have a PharmD. Another thing is calling pharmacists (especially in hospitals) doctors could be misleading as there are so many doctors out there, it's hard to distinguish which is which.
 
alveoli89 said:
Hey fellow SDNers.

I have a situation to present you guys that are pre-pharm. So, I was recently at a gathering where the topic of how to address pharmacists came up. I was insulted to hear by one guy that people do not address pharmacists as doctors but instead by their names. I quickly defended my future profession by stating that pharmacists are indeed addressed as "DOCTORS OF PHARMACY" and that they have the title of pharmacist or doctor. Without a doubt, pharmacists have the option of not calling themselves doctors but don't all medical doctors, dentists, optometrists, and vets all have that same option?? So can you guys share with me your opinion? What would you have said in response to someone's statement that "pharmacists are not referred to as doctors." 😡
Click to expand...

I would have shrugged and said, "Different strokes for different folks." It doesn't really matter, does it? The NYTimes did a whole article alleging that physicians get upset when nurses with doctorates are called "Doctor," but I seriously don't think anyone except some insecure stuffed shirts really give a hoot.

To each his own. It seriously doesn't matter that much.
 
I hope everyone does realize that the original people in the US to be called "doctor" were the ones that completed a PhD, not physicians. Additionally, the first group to be afforded the protected right to use Dr in titles were actually psychologists. Medical professionals picked up on it many years later...

Just an interesting sidenote for the conversation...
 
Kansas Pharmer said:
I hope everyone does realize that the original people in the US to be called "doctor" were the ones that completed a PhD, not physicians. Additionally, the first group to be afforded the protected right to use Dr in titles were actually psychologists. Medical professionals picked up on it many years later...

Just an interesting sidenote for the conversation...
Click to expand...


so maybe in a few years, pharmacists could be called doctors too
 
saw a sports car with a license plate that says "USCRXDR"

Just an interesting thing that happened and decided to post after seeing this thread.
 
xtsukiyox said:
Er, correct me if I'm wrong, because I'm not real great with the nurse acronyms, but DNP stands for Doctor of Nursing Practice, doesn't it? 😕
Click to expand...

You are correct, although I suspect Carboxide may be referring to the fact that a lot of people don't consider DNPs "real" doctors.
 
xtsukiyox said:
Er, correct me if I'm wrong, because I'm not real great with the nurse acronyms, but DNP stands for Doctor of Nursing Practice, doesn't it? 😕
Click to expand...

Carboxide said:
Ph.D nurses ARE called Dr. They have a Ph.D. Now, DNPs, on the other hand, who are NOT Ph.D nurses, are not.
Click to expand...

R2pharmD2 said:
You are correct, although I suspect Carboxide may be referring to the fact that a lot of people don't consider DNPs "real" doctors.
Click to expand...

OK... Now I am really confused. So, nurses that hold PhDs ARE called Dr but DNPs that work alongside and in the same capacity as physicians are NOT called Dr even though they hold a doctorate level degree? :laugh:

Kiyo and R2, you two should probably talk with Carboxide as it seems you dont know what you are talking about... 😀
 
R2pharmD2 said:
You are correct, although I suspect Carboxide may be referring to the fact that a lot of people don't consider DNPs "real" doctors.
Click to expand...

No, although this is also true. A DNP is NOT a Ph.D.I am in a doctorate degree but not getting a Ph.D. A Ph.D nurse has received a degree based on RESEARCH, not clinical practice, and is not qualified or licensed to diagnose or prescribe. A DNP is. That is a professional degree, not a Ph.D.

DNPS are not called Dr. because they perform the same activities as a physician and therefore would be misleading patients.
 
Carboxide said:
No, although this is also true. A DNP is NOT a Ph.D.I am in a doctorate degree but not getting a Ph.D. A Ph.D nurse has received a degree based on RESEARCH, not clinical practice, and is not qualified or licensed to diagnose or prescribe. A DNP is. That is a professional degree, not a Ph.D.

DNPS are not called Dr. because they perform the same activities as a physician and therefore would be misleading patients.
Click to expand...

This I agree with. You dont want to confuse people in a clinical setting.

BUT - Every person that receives a doctorate of any kind gets the priviledge of being titled/called Dr if they so choose. It does not matter if it is a DO, MD, DVM, PharmD, PhD, DNP, DDS, JD, PsyD, DPT, etc. Of course, some of these people are not ever going to exercise this because it will make them look like an idiot, but they do have the choice should they so choose.
 
lol

only rxist that are called dr are teaching rxist in an academic setting


OP is an idiot if he thinks someone is gonna call him doc when he practices in hospital or retail


hell, all you do in retail is lick stick and pour.

all this talk if mtm and clinical services is BS.

90% of pts just want their pills and want it fast.

9% of pts will want counseling on recommendations of the same mundane otc products

and 1% of pts will want ******ed info like "how long is the half life of X drug" that you won't know and will have to look up.


the only respect you'll get from the public is from the seniors that have lost their mind.

how can you gain respect in a profession where your counseling is replaced by a piece of print out?

where they want to build vending machine to dispense drugs and have a rxist counsel via VOIP?

rx is dead and you want to be called a doctor. :laugh::laugh::laugh:
 
hmmmmm said:
hell, all you do in retail is lick stick and pour.
Click to expand...

NUH UH! You count by fives really really fast too!

PS, thanks for coming back to the boards to share this nugget of wisdom. This thread was missing the obligatory "pharmacy is dead" post. Thanks for rectifying that oversight - now it matches every other thread.
 
xtsukiyox said:
NUH UH! You count by fives really really fast too!

PS, thanks for coming back to the boards to share this nugget of wisdom. This thread was missing the obligatory "pharmacy is dead" post. Thanks for rectifying that oversight - now it matches every other thread.
Click to expand...

:laugh::laugh::laugh:
 
lol

you pre rx noobs think you'll differentiate yourself by working hard and blah blah blah and you'll be fine

or you believe the bs pharm school says and that you'll have limited prescribing power, or collaborating on a health care team or that you'll get paid for clinical services and that what you do really matter.

you're just kidding yourselves

:laugh::laugh::laugh:
 
hmmmmm said:
lol

you pre rx noobs think you'll differentiate yourself by working hard and blah blah blah and you'll be fine

or you believe the bs pharm school says and that you'll have limited prescribing power, or collaborating on a health care team or that you'll get paid for clinical services and that what you do really matter.

you're just kidding yourselves

:laugh::laugh::laugh:
Click to expand...
actually, in some states there is a need for this. it is not out of reach to get into a position like that. depends on the laws of the state but pharmacists can fill some gaps that exist, especially in underserved communities. and working hard should always be encouraged regardless of your desire to be in a certain position or specialty. it may be saturated but there is still room to advance the profession. students will just have to think outside the box a bit and be willing to live in less diserable locations. it is still possible to find "dream" jobs and become a unicorn but you will have to work at it. don't ever limit yourself. I've changed my mind a few times about what I want to do. I encourage others to get outside their comfort zone a bit and explore what pharmacy has to offer. the doom and gloomis a bit old.
 
Carboxide said:
No, although this is also true. A DNP is NOT a Ph.D.I am in a doctorate degree but not getting a Ph.D. A Ph.D nurse has received a degree based on RESEARCH, not clinical practice, and is not qualified or licensed to diagnose or prescribe. A DNP is. That is a professional degree, not a Ph.D.

DNPS are not called Dr. because they perform the same activities as a physician and therefore would be misleading patients.
Click to expand...

I'm not even touching that can of worms :laugh:
 
hmmmmm said:
you pre rx noobs think you'll differentiate yourself by working hard and blah blah blah and you'll be fine

or you believe the bs pharm school says and that you'll have limited prescribing power, or collaborating on a health care team or that you'll get paid for clinical services and that what you do really matter.
Click to expand...

Nope, neither. It's going to give me the giggles when I bring home over $80k to do data entry.
 
hmmmmm said:
you're just kidding yourselves
Click to expand...

OOH OOH I nearly missed my golden opportunity!

Kansas Pharmer said:
[...] My problem is a lot of people are equating not getting bonuses, cars, etc. to being saturated.

Are far as I can remember, every job I have applied for (over 10 years worth) did not include any of these things. All this means is pharmacy is like every other job field now and you actually have to work at selling yourself to your potential employer. This is not equal to there not actually being any openings.
Click to expand...

Can this line of discussion be over in favor of the actual topic of the thread please?
 
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