Referring someone as a ?doctor?

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O

ordinaryguy

This is not meant to disrespect anybody or any profession. But I see people calling themselves doctor too frequently. I believe that the term doctor should only be used for ?fully-licensed? doctor, who are educated and trained on the entire human body. I respect the education and training of OD, Ph D, DDS/DMD, Pharm D, DPM, DC, etc? I think these professions should refer to themselves something else rather than a doctor. I met this individual recently and he referred to himself as Dr. so-and-so. Then I found out he was a chiropractor. It just leads to confusion. I can imagine someone having a heart attack on an airplane, and the flight attendant asks if there?s a doctor on-board. And someone that is not an MD/DO stands up and says, ?Yes, I?m a doctor.? But later, everybody finds out that he/she is not a MD/DO and cannot save the person. Even a person with a Ph D in socialization therapy can refer himself or herself as Dr., which confuses patients. But like I mentioned earlier, this is just my opinion, not a right/wrong answer. What do you all think?
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I partly agree with you on this issue, but let's not make light of what someone with a PHD, DC, Pharm D, etc. has done. It is a great accomplishment and the title of doctor is not only regarding a physician according to Webster's a doctor is also a person earning the highest degree that a University can confer in that particular field. Seriously do you think your heart attack analogy is a good one do you really see your psychology professor claiming that he/she is that kind of doctor come on lets be serious. A professor once told me that the title Dr. as it relates to PHD's is mainly a title that is relagated to academia you don't introduce yourself in a private situation as Dr. so and so but it is appropriate when dealing in an academic setting. I just think that anyone that goes to school and gains the body of knowledge that these people do deserves the distinction of being a Dr. If you want to reduce confusion when you become get there refer to yourself as a physician no ambiguities(sp) there.
 
Once you start rotations, it will be ABOSOLUTELY CLEAR who is going to be called "Dr.". In the hospital setting, you get a good idea that the PharmD ain't the "doc" nor the DPT (if there are any, as a DPT in the hospital is a waste). The nurses while often times disrespectful to residents, are VERY protective of the attendings they see daily...they ain't gonna call a pharmacist doctor. It is convention.
The dentists that we see in the hospital are often times the resident dentisists or Maxillo-facialsurgeons who deserve respect.

Regardless, it will become easier when you are in a hospital setting.
 
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Dude, you earn a doctorate you have a right to call yourself a doctor. There is nothing that says a physician has any more right to call themselves a "doctor" than other professions...IMHO.
 
As a PharmD to be, I appreciate what JKDMed and monkeyguts said. Thank you.

In 3 months, I will be Dr. Naloxone. I will have earned that title.

Expanding on DrRoe's comment: Think back to the last MD you were introduced to. "This is Dr. X, he is the head nephrologist here." Boy, no confusion there. I'd like to be introduced as "Dr. Naloxone, he is one of our clinical pharmacists." And I bet I won't ever be called on to do an intubation (or an occult stool sample).

On medical rounds, there was no confusion between the pharmacy student (me!), the pharmacist, the two medical students, the two medical residents, and the teaching physician. We all went by first names, except for the teaching, who was Dr. X. The next teaching MD we had, went by Ron.

As for asking for a doctor on a plane, it is pretty evident what is being sought out.

Bottom line: Give respect, get respect. In a clinical situation, I'd rather be called by my first name anyway. And I'd hope anyone that could remove the chip from his shoulder could go by theirs.

Sorry to rant in a DO forum. Wandered in here and thought you'd be curious as to what one of those "other doctors" thought.
 
OrdinaryGuy:

Come down off of your high horse. You obviously don't have respect for the other doctoral level professionals that you referred to. They have done the work and earned the title. As long as they don't hide their degree, then they should be able to use the title without offending anyone. The term doctor comes from the latin for teacher.

"Middle English, an expert, authority, from Old French docteur, from Latin doctor, teacher, from docre, to teach. See dek- in Indo-European Roots."

In this regard, many PhD's deserve the title more than most physicians. If you go into med school with your current opinion, you will be shut down pretty darn quick.

WBDO
 
The etymology of the term "doctor" means to "to teach" in Latin.

SYLLABICATION: doc?tor
NOUN: 1. A person, especially a physician, dentist, or veterinarian, trained in the healing arts and licensed to practice. 2a. A person who has earned the highest academic degree awarded by a college or university in a specified discipline. b. A person awarded an honorary degree by a college or university. 3. abbr. Dr. Used as a title and form of address for a person holding the degree of doctor. 4. Roman Catholic Church An eminent theologian. 5. A practitioner of folk medicine or folk magic. 6. A rig or device contrived for remedying an emergency situation or for doing a special task. 7. Any of several brightly colored artificial flies used in fly fishing.

Source: The American Heritage? Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. 2000.

Rest assured that medical doctors' high esteem in the United States is likely related to their salary and public image as "hero." In Europe, the PhD degree holders have a MUCH higher status than medical doctors.
 
in many European countries, someone with a PhD is called Professor not Doctor and thuse there is no confusion there:clap:
 
My personal opinion for the future, when I'm around just anybody in the hospital I wouldn't care if they called me, "Josh" instead of doctor. However, around patients I would prefer staff refer to me as "Doctor" to maintain professionalism and security around patients. However, I could care less otherwise. I imagine many of my future patients will call me, "Josh".
 
Despite what others have posted here in response to my post, I highly respect Ph. D.s, dentists, pharmacists, etc. that have earned a doctorate degree. They have accomplished something that is at the highest levels due to their hard work. And I am fully aware of the definition of a "doctor" in the dictionary. I have no problems people referring to themselves as doctors in the academic setting. However, I have problems with people abusing the term. I experienced csaes when I saw a pharmacist referring to himself as a doctor. Come on now. He's not a doctor. He doesn't even elaborate by indicating he's a pharmacist. I don't understand people claiming to be doctors. When they use this term in this case, there's huge misunderstandings. Also, just because I have an opinion in this situation doesn't mean I'll be shut down. There's no relevance between my opinion and and my success in med school. If you want to criticize my opinion, feel free to because this is a forum where freedom of expression is exercised. But to say that I'm going to be shut down in medical school is highly ignorant.
 
Come on now...I will be a doctor. A doctor of pharmacy. I'm not looking to diagnose disease and sign off on treatment. That's a physician's role. I'd call a doctor of medicine for that.

Thanks, JKDMed. I think we'd get along fine on rounds.
 
i had a prof in undergrad tell the class one day (it was a travel and tourism class too!) that he doesn't know how MD/DO are called doctors. he thought only Ph.D's should be called doctors b/c MD/DO's don't have to research something for 3-5 years and write a dissertation. i was only taking the class b/c it was simple and it was my last semester, but i could have stood up and threw my book at this guy.
 
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Come on... now this is not a poke at ordinary guy, because I understand your point somewhat.

However, a Doctor is simply someone who has elevated to the maximum level in their specified field. I respect all Doctors, just because a person goes to podiatry school or becomes a chiropractor, doesn't mean they didn't have to learn the same basics every med student has to come across. Their focus is just geared more towards their specified field.

As for the PhD "doc" 3-5 years research--- try 4 years professional school plus 3-7+ years residency in your desired field. Physicians and doctorates both have to work just as hard. PhD are simply centered in acadamia and Physicians are simply centered in healing society. Not better or worse just different.
 
I agree. Doctor is a title, not a position. Ph.D's do a lot more work to earn that doctorate than physicians do.
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Doubtful. Most Science doctorate students have a much easier ride than Medical Students. They have nowhere near the volume of info to process. My wife was in a Biochem PhD. program at a well respected Texas University and any reasonably bright person can earn a PhD. Also you do not need social skills. I have worked with many Engineering,Physics, Math, and CompSci. PhD's in my previous life/career and it is not as bad as people think to earn a PhD. I am not saying these people are stupid by no means they know their subject extremely well and can research the heck out of something. I know I could not deal with research

Well anyway, I think anyone with a Doctorate degree could be called doctor, even a lawyer but I cringe to call someone in the injustice system a doctor, but thats my own personal agenda. Only a D.O. or M.D. should be called a physician, only a DDS or DMD should be called your Dentist and only a D.C. should be called a Chiropractor.

Raptor5
 
To my understanding, I believe only certain doctorate-level degree holders are legally allowed to call themselves "Doctor". I'm pretty sure JD's aren't allowed to, and I always thought PharmD's weren't either.

Maybe I just heard wrong though.
 
Legally, anyone who has a doctorate degree is a doctor. I don't know why more lawyers don't call themselves doctors, but I do know that a few out there do. I have heard that some lawyers in academics do. I don't care about the doctorate title (because it was never meant to be solely used for medicine, it would be kinda rude to hijack it) as much as I do about the whole white coat thing. Everyone wears a white coat in the hospital these days, even the receptionists. It would be better for patients and health care workers if you could easily identify who was a doctor by the white coat IMO. Of course, a better solution would be to have a different color coat then white. I've had to bleech mine a few times to get rid of all the junk I've gotten on mine in the past.
 
My aunt is a veterinarian and my uncle is a lawyer. When I made out my wedding invitations, I had to call them Drs. Aunt and Uncle ...

So according to emily post, lawyers should be called doctor.
 
European physicians, especially in Germany, must complete a thesis in order to have the title "physician". Often an American trained physician will go over there, but cannot refer to himself or h erself as "physician".

As far as pharmacists go, I have the unique outlook in that I am currently dating a pharmacist and went to a pharmacy school for 4 years until I switched to medicine. My 2 roomates are soon to be PharmDs.

All of them agree that using the title "doctor" in their profession is on a case by case basis.

Example: Retail pharmacist working in your local drug store. No need here to be called "Dr." The title will get you no added respect nor will it get you through to the physician any faster if you call their office. Also, there are times when customers are confused. I have seen all of these cases first hand, having worked at Rite Aid for many years.

Example: Clinical pharmacist working in the hospital. Overhead paged as "Dr." Addressed as "Dr." in front of students and ancillary staff. Addressed in front of patients as "So-and-so, the pharmacist who will be reviewing your medications." Where I was working, it was basically an unwritten rule that the clinical pharmacists would not introduce themselves as "Dr." to the patients as it was found that they are already confused about who is their physician, their nurse, their PT, their dietician, the OT, etc etc. , and it would be counterproductive to have another "Dr." The pharmacists were given NO LESS respect by the patients or the physicians.

Example: Education. PharmD is teaching a lecture. Most certainly addressed as "Dr." Sign of respect for the men and women who are working to bring better trained people into medicine and healthcare.


On a personal note, both my girlfriend and several soon-to-be PharmD friends joke all the time about being called "Dr." Early in their education it was a "damn right I want to be called Dr." attitude. Now that they are soon to be graduated and have worked in several areas of pharmacy, they all seem to have the same outlook. Certain settings, particularly academia, it is appropriate. Other places it is not.

Our society is so pretentious that titles seem to mean more than anything. Personally, as a future physician, I dont care who calls me doctor. Sure, it will be nice to hear at graduation, but what difference does it make? Medical students, even 2nd years, get called doctor all the time. It was neat at first but now it just runs past your ears.
 
Ordinary,
you are obviously insecure. Get over it....or dont go into medicine. These people are doctors. They have earned it, and thus deserve the respect. I dare you to approach one of your basic science professors and tell him/her your feelings. You are taught BY PhDs for all your preclinicals, are you not going to call them Dr. X? No, instead, I think you should call them Mr./Mrs./Ms. Id love to see that.
Dr. is a title of respect. MD=Doctor of Medicine, DO=Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, PharmD=Doctor of Pharmacy, etc. Because the general public is stupid, and thinks that all doctors are physicians, dont be stupid too. You are supposed to be an educated individual going into medicine, I challenge you to be that person. GROW UP!!!!!
stomper
 
Though I agree with Stomper, though I think he is being a little harsh. Here are the rules as I see it. Anyone with a doctoral level degree (with the exception of Lawyers, and I think we all agree on that) should be referred to as Dr. [insert name here]. In a clinical setting, the person should have their credentials obviously displayed (ie. embroidered on the white coat, on a nametag, or in the case of a retail pharmacy, on the wall). The responsibility is with the physician/pharmacist/scientist to relay what their role is. Someone said it earlier, a clinical pharmacist might say on first introduction: "Hi, I'm Dr. Johnson, the clinical pharmacist." or a cardiologist, "Hi, I'm Dr. Jones, the attending cardiologist."

Bottom line, we are arguing symantics. The important thing is that we understand that any professional level doctorally trained person, whether they be clinical, educational, or in industry, should be referred to by their earned title. This includes DOs, MDs, PhDs, PharmDs, DPTs, DPMs, DVMs, ODs, DCs, and I hasten to include NDs trained at accredited colleges of naturopathic medicine. These people have done the work and have earned the respect.

On another note, to go back to something OrdinaryGuy said in his original post, I think it is irresponsible of anyone to simply refer to themself as "a doctor." A DO/MD should say, I'm a physician, a scientist should refer to their scientific specialty (ie. Biochemist, Anatomist, Physiologist, etc.). DC: chiropractor; ND: Doctor of Naturopatic Medicine or Naturopath. I think you all get the point. Vagueness in any situation is irresponsible. For example, a psychiatrist who hasn't delivered a baby in 20 years may not be wise to immediately announce himself as "a doctor" if a woman goes into labor on an airplane.

Lets stop quibbling over stupid stuff and get to what's important, learning how to treat our patients in the best way that we know how and never go beyond to scope of our abilities regardless of our degree.

Peace
 
I tried to resist, but I'm a woman, and as most women know, it's hard to to say something on a topic that hits really close to home

Ordinary, I guess I would want to try to understand why you even care about this topic. Why does it matter who is called "doctor". Are you implying that MDs and DOs have bragging rights only and are superior to other earned doctorates?

Growing up with a Chiropractor for a father and grandfather, I used to get yelled at when I didn't address a doctor as doctor.

I work in my dad's office with another DC. Anytime another DC calls in, they always refer to themselves as Dr "Wong" for example. If Dr. Wong were to call in and say " Hi I need to speak with Dr. LeCara, this is Marck Wong". I would assume that he is a patient of Dr. LeCara and I probably wouldn't disrupt him in his office. However, because he identifies himself as another doctor, I sent the line over to Dr. LeCara's office. See how that works.

I just feel as though every person who has earned a doctorate has gone through a tremendous amount of hard effort to pass boards, write dissertations, etc. and all deserve to be referred to as Dr. Just because MD/DOs are trained in certain areas, doesn't make them any different than a PharmD, DC, DDS, JD, PhD, etc.


If I couldn't breathe, I'd prefer to have a paramedic give me CPR
(Most MDs DOs never even perform CPR... that's what paramedics and nurses are good at)

If I fell and broke my neck or back, I would sure as hell want a DC to be by my side, informing me that my movements could damage me tremendously. For they know 200x more about spine and neck disorders than anyone else.

If my tooth got knocked out, I would call up my dentist, to get his help

If I had a strange interaction with two drugs, my pharmacist would be immediately on the phone.

If my dog wouldn't get up and looked sick... I wonder who I'd call.

shall I continue???

These people all earn doctorates, they just specialize in different areas. They all deserve the opportunity to refer to themselves and each other as Dr.'s

Ordinary guy... you need to take a step outside of the academic arena and breathe in some reality. Why don't you visit another specialist besides your primary care physician

and here's a side note:
My dad, the DC, or as many people refer to the profession "Quackerpractor".... anway.... found an aortic aneurysm in one of his patients. The patients primary care physician missed the aneurysm during a physical two weeks ago. The patient underwent surgery yesterday and is doing fine. I just had to add that to prove that every type of doctor has a place!
 
Actually in euorope, most of physicans are not doctors, euoropean schools grant M.B., B.Ch. bachelor of medicine, bachelor of surgery. In order to recieve the MD degree, they must do a research thesis in addition to medical school, sort of like an MD/PHD program here in the US. So this whole idea of calling a physician a doctor over here...is kinda a new thing.
 
I would like to say a final word on this subject. My intent was not to create anger, disrespect anybody or profession, or attack anyone personally. The reason why I brought up this subject is that the ?American general public? is not aware of the distinctions. Similarly, most people are not aware that physicians can either have an MD or DO. I thought that through discussions, some might bring up suggestions on other terminology or words that would clarify things. If you say to the general person in society, ?I?m Dr. Smith.? they automatically assume that you are a fully-licensed physician. But if you clarify by saying, ?I?m Dr. Smith. I?m a pharmacist.?, they would be able to recognize your profession. I understand that other countries work different ways and that technically you do not have to use distinctive terminology based on definitions in the dictionary. When someone introduces himself or herself as Dr., I ask them if they are a medical doctor, just for clarification. And when I mentioned that I respect doctorate-level professions, I do mean it. My dentist is a great person that has been instrumental in maintaining my oral health in terms of teeth and gums. My optometrist ensures that my eyes are in good health. Most of my college professors have Ph. D.s and have played critical roles in my learning journey and I cannot thank all of them enough. I do call all of them Dr. They all play important roles in society. They all make huge differences in the world. Overall, I think it is good to debate and present constructive criticisms on subjective issues such as this. Sometimes issues such as these may need clarifications to avoid confusion for the general person. But I feel that personal attacks and degrading comments not only prevent progress in discussions, but also may inhibit others to discuss controversial or subjective issues.
 
alright,,

so here is my thoughts...

a NP or PA are both trained to be the closest to DO/MD of any of the other doctorates in my opinion, yet they are not called doctor for they have not earned that right... talk to any of them and you will hear the same thing...

as far as the other doctorates, in a clinical setting, NP/PA's are most of the time regarded with somewhat the same respect as a full physician... as far as some dweeb that has earned a phD in astonomy I think it more apt to call him professor or the field earned title.... whether that be Grand PooPaa or Doctor such and such a phD

I am not going to go through Med school to be called doctor, it doesnt really matter that much to me, but I do care intensely that my career not see the same erosion that so many other fields have been seeing... case in point, to really do Physc you have to get either an DO/MD or phD in psych, the lower levels just wont do

thoughts

DrDad
 
First comment: do veterinarians meet the "doctor" standard of the OP? After all, they do the same things that MD/DO's do only on non-human animals. It seems they should be afforded the same title.

Second: It's odd that I have spent several years gently explaining to my students that I have *not* earned the title of "Doctor" or "Professor." LOL Occasionally, a student will refer to me as Dr. or Prof. because I teach at a college. I usually point out (once) that I have a Master's degree. I have not done the work to get a Ph.D.; therefore, I am not a doctor. When I was in college, our unwritten rule was that Professor was reserved for those individuals who had Ph.D.'s in their field. Anyone with less than a Ph.D. should simply be called an "instructor."

I usually find myself referring to individuals with terminal degrees by the letters after their name--though not to their face! A Pharm.D. would be just that--Pharm.D. And by the way, to practice clinical psychology does not require a Ph.D. unless your region is overwhelmed with them and anything less than that just doesn't financially make it. There are several master's-level counselors (M.S., M.A., or MSW) working in this area as clinical psychologists.

I think most people are not as confused as you might think. If I introduced myself as Dr. Smith, the average person would say "Oh..what kind of doctor are you?" Then I could easily reply with dentist, chiropractor, or dr of death....whatever the case may be. Most Ph.D. I've met do not call themselves "Dr" except in academic settings.

Just my experience,
Willow
 
Anyone who survives the pains of getting their doctorate, medical or otherwise, deserves that title in my opinion. For those who easily get confused over an initial meeting with a doctor, it takes exactly 3 seconds to ask what they studied. It takes 2 seconds to answer back. Problem solved.
 
Ordinaryguy

It's not confusing. You are simply trying to be an elitist snob. You want to deny people the credit and pride for the hardwork they have done in their field. I'm going to be a DO just in case you were confused that I was a dentist or a chiropractor.

We are DO's. We are supposed to be better than this crap. Many MD's belittle us every opportunity they get. Do you want to stoop to their level and pick on the next person in the totem. That is lame.
 
To the OP

I think you really have to take a step back and hear what you are saying
I understand that the prestige behind the term "doctor" has been diluted but not from people overusing it, rather from a cynical and litigous society that has decided to treat us like cash machines, not by people earning non-md doctoral degrees

dude... dont forget that your earning a do....there are plenty of md's out there who dont think you are a real doc....I of course disagree with them
I am in podiatry school right now...its four years post grad...then 2-3(prob 3) years of residency(i only post that b/c most people dont realize how much time we spend in school...and ya know i gotta plug the profession)...after which time i feel justified calling myself doctor, regardless of what a few misguied elitists think...

personally i feel that in a clinical setting people should be careful about caling themselves doctor, that is, a phd of european history shouldnt call themselves doctor for the pts sake.
outside of that, all docs should just introduce themselves as the kindly dr. so and so and just explain why they are there..
as in if your a pharmd, "im dr. johnson, im a pharmiscist,im here to discuss your meds with you"...then everything is clear..but of course it doesnt matter what you call yourself so long as you are responsible in the information you give to the pt and dont overstep your range of expertise
just my humble opinion
-j
 
Originally posted by jconway

personally i feel that in a clinical setting people should be careful about caling themselves doctor, that is, a phd of european history shouldnt call themselves doctor for the pts sake.
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How many PhDs of European history hang out in the clinical setting?
 
lol
you never know
actually i was just trying to draw a really obvious/slightly humorous example
sorry for the confusion
-j
 
Originally posted by raptor5
Doubtful. Most Science doctorate students have a much easier ride than Medical Students. They have nowhere near the volume of info to process. My wife was in a Biochem PhD. program at a well respected Texas University and any reasonably bright person can earn a PhD. Also you do not need social skills. I have worked with many Engineering,Physics, Math, and CompSci. PhD's in my previous life/career and it is not as bad as people think to earn a PhD. I am not saying these people are stupid by no means they know their subject extremely well and can research the heck out of something. I know I could not deal with research

Well anyway, I think anyone with a Doctorate degree could be called doctor, even a lawyer but I cringe to call someone in the injustice system a doctor, but thats my own personal agenda. Only a D.O. or M.D. should be called a physician, only a DDS or DMD should be called your Dentist and only a D.C. should be called a Chiropractor.

Raptor5
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Humanities PhD-ers can work up to 8-10 years to complete their PhD. I hope we are not forgetting about them. Furthermore, all have to continue on to do a Post-doc. As I think about my good friends who have started PhDs in History, Anthropology, English...all are ABD(all but dissertation) and we constantly joke that I will be a "doctor" before they are and I haven't started yet. (they started 3-4 years ago). THAT alone reminds me that we ALL got it rough. And we all deserve the respect. Period.


Overall, this is a pretty silly thread. :rolleyes:
 
Originally posted by Freeeedom!
Once you start rotations, it will be ABOSOLUTELY CLEAR who is going to be called "Dr.". In the hospital setting, you get a good idea that the PharmD ain't the "doc" nor the DPT (if there are any, as a DPT in the hospital is a waste). The nurses while often times disrespectful to residents, are VERY protective of the attendings they see daily...they ain't gonna call a pharmacist doctor. It is convention.
The dentists that we see in the hospital are often times the resident dentisists or Maxillo-facialsurgeons who deserve respect.

Regardless, it will become easier when you are in a hospital setting.
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And how will you show respect to your Ph.D. and D.V.M. professors? By calling them "bub"? Some Path directors are Ph.D. docs, supervising MD/DO docs. Anybody who has completed an accredited doctoral program is a doctor.
 
In the setting which your doctorate is pertinent, you are to be called "Doctor". In the general public, you put aside the doctor facade because, quite frankly, nobody really cares.
 
It's funny, we had this whole discussion about six months ago. I actually looked it up in an etiquette text. It said that Ph.Ds are academic titles rather than professional titles and thus, should not be used in social settings. It said that only MDs, DDS, and D.Divs should use the title. I would assume they would also include other health professionals (DO, OD, DVM, et al.)

Ed
 
Originally posted by edmadison
It's funny, we had this whole discussion about six months ago. I actually looked it up in an etiquette text. It said that Ph.Ds are academic titles rather than professional titles and thus, should not be used in social settings. It said that only MDs, DDS, and D.Divs should use the title. I would assume they would also include other health professionals (DO, OD, DVM, et al.)

Ed
Click to expand...


Ah....etiquette....yes, that is something practiced in america. Whip that book out this weekend....see how much is practiced on Super Sunday.
 
Just for the person above who said that she would rather have an EMT perform CPR in the event of a cardiopulmonary arrest, let me assure you that all DOs and MDs have had formal training in ACLS at one time or another during their training. As a resident, I frequently have to respond to codes and it would be another resident or I who would make the call - not a chiropractor, not a nurse, not an EMT. No disrespect to chiropractors but if I were to sustain a serious back injury, I would consult an orthopedist or an orthopedic surgeon.
 
This is a silly discussion.
Why?
Because as I work on the floor with PharmD's...none of them call themselves Dr. No nurse will call them doctor. Why? Because it causes utter confusion during rounds. In some hospital settings, a PharmD helps with ICU rounds. Everyone except for the attending is called by their first name.
I understand that most of you are med students, but when residency starts there is such a clear distinction of who is who in the hospital. A PharmD or DPT does not want to be confused with the physician. The DDS has a welcome role in the hospital as many are oral-maxillo-facial surgeons and are called often.
In the case I may need the Pharmacist, I ask "is this the pharmacist". I never even find out the "dr" title.
This is a crazy argument because this NEVER happens in a hospital, yet some med students are all worried about it. Good God.

THis is a non argument.
I call a PharmD the "pharmacist"
I call the DPT the "Physical Therapist"
I never see an OD
I never see a DC.
 
There is no way that you could be a collage grad. and have written such a uneducated statement.
good luck in med school you are going to need it
 
Originally posted by DrDad
as far as the other doctorates, in a clinical setting, NP/PA's are most of the time regarded with somewhat the same respect as a full physician... as far as some dweeb that has earned a phD in astonomy I think it more apt to call him professor or the field earned title.... whether that be Grand PooPaa or Doctor such and such a phD
DrDad [/B]
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Hey - I'm a Ph.D. I share on-call responsibilities with pathology residents. I do not identify myself as a physician because I am not one, but I am called "Dr." by the M.D.'s when referring to patient care. When I?m not working, I go by my first name. I have sound knowledge of biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology and even anatomy. Who are you calling a Ph.D. "dweeb"? Your arrogance is astounding, pal! You consistently post inflammatory comments...the fact that you need the "accepted and attending" logo at the bottom of your posts speaks volumes. Remember, "...pride comes before a fall...", my friend.

I do not call myself Dr. in social situations and I don?t append Ph.D. on any correspondence. Who would?? It's only my degree and not my name. I wouldn't even have it on my wedding invitations. I studied as hard as the next person. Obtaining a Ph.D. is not cake. Drop-out rates are much higher than med. Schools. BTW, why should someone with a Ph.D. be called professor? When they qualify, they're not automatically professor.
 
Tell a PHD engineering student at a top 10 engineering school they don't deserve to be called doctor. I would not want to be within 500 feet of you for the aftermath.
 
Please don't tell me you just said "on call with the pathology residents"...hahahaha!
Pathology and "call" isn't even in the same language!

I thought this ******ed premed discussion was over.

Concord,
Were you writing in response to me? If you had an ounce of hospital experience, you would know what I was talking about...so I can only assume you are talking about someone else.


Captain Freedom
Resident
Emergency Medicine
 
of course it was not at you. it was at the person who started this thread about who should and should not be called Dr. what a waste of energy even debating the concept. Dr. does not = MD/DO it represents a level of education in almost any subject.
 
Originally posted by Freeeedom!
Please don't tell me you just said "on call with the pathology residents"...hahahaha!
Pathology and "call" isn't even in the same language!

I thought this ******ed premed discussion was over.

Concord,
Were you writing in response to me? If you had an ounce of hospital experience, you would know what I was talking about...so I can only assume you are talking about someone else.


Captain Freedom
Resident
Emergency Medicine
Click to expand...

Freeeedom,

Actually, the E.R. residents (people like you) page myself and the pathology residents frequently when they don't know how to interpret the lab tests that the attending has made them order, or when they have a patient that needs an esoteric test that they know nothing about. I'm happy to say that they're usually quite grateful for our service and not nearly as arrogant as you (at least, that's how your post is perceived).
 
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