Calling a Doctor a Doctor who is not a 'Doctor'!

I got in a heated debate yesterday with a buddy of mine who is very staunch against calling 'non-medical' persons who have earned their Doctorate 'Doctor'.

My opinion is that if somebody has earned their Doctorate in any field, they deserve to be called Doctor, and I always address them as such. I call on scientist at defense contractors, etc. that have Ph. D after their name and from that time on, I always call them Dr. Smith (as an example) when I address them. I feel that since they have earned the title, it is proper and respectful on my behalf to address them as such.

Am I being too anal here? As for my friend, if they are not a medical doctor, he will never address anyone as such, even with a Ph. D.

Your thoughts?

 

Some teachers I have had that had their PhD would get offended if they were not called doctor. I always wondered if they got the extra schooling just so they can be called doctor. lol

 

I'm one of those "fake" doctors, with a Ph.D (Hey, but I earned it at a medical school!!!).

At work, most people call me Dom. Occasionally the people that report to me call me *******

In a formal work situation, people will refer to me as Dr. (Like if I am being introduced/referred to at a meeting, seminar, etc.).

In social situations (outside of work), when I'm referred to as Mr so and so, I usually just tell them to call me Dom.

Don't care either way.

Dom

 

I only use it when talking to professors at my school. Even if I was an MD, I would prefer my first name to be used. I'm just not one to be real uptight and formal, I'm more laid back and don't care.

 

You are 1000000000% correct. Always call them Doctor. I do.

Occasionally, I will use the term "Professor" with either PhDs or MDs.

Tangentially, I always have a little inside relaxed smile and sense of well-being when ever someone calls me "Mister".

Further tangent, as you probably know in England the surgeons are all called "Mister" and it might be insulting to some to be called "Doctor".

 

Depends if you are talking with them in a casual way or in a pro way. I dont call my friends who are lawyers 'Maitre' ...

 

What about those folks with juris doctors (JD), doctors of chiropractic (DC), doctors of osteopathy (DO) or doctors of dental surgery (DDS)?

 

I just read your post to my BF who is a Dr. (M.D.) and he said it is absolutely appropriate to should address any professional with a doctorate as Doctor, no matter what field they earned it in.

Actually, he thought that maybe your friend is being too anal, not you.

 

I only call medical doctors "Dr.". It always comes across as very uppity when someone who has a doctorate in something like philosophy insists on being called Dr. Would you refer to an attorney as "Attorney Smith" or "Mr. Smith, Esquire" outside of a very formal setting related to their field of work?

Not really a matter of right/wrong, just opinion.

 

I've noticed chiropractors almost wet their pants when an MD calls them Doctor.

 

Funny, the only place I ever expect to be called Doctor is in the office, in front of my patients, by my staff...

I have NEVER used the title outside of the office. Never introduced myself as "Dr. Bo", or what not. Do most docs do that? I could see doing it if I were 60 and dressed elegantly...but it doesn't carry the same weight wearing an oil smeared t-shirt and dirty jeans...

In light of this, I would find it hilarious if a Phd asked me to call him "Doctor."

Gee, am I underutilizing my superpowers???

-Will I get better treatment at restaurants if I say I am a doc?
-Faster service at jiffy lube?
-Fresher fruit from the produce department?

 

You'll get a BIGGER BILL at the Jiffy Lube, buck over Doc!


BTW, I make my kids stand and address me as Dr. Gunboat upon my entering the room.

 

The proper title for a JD is "Esquire." Some lawyers put their name as "Joe Schmoe, Esq."

 

There's two issues at play. One is whether or not an MD or PhD wants to be called "Doctor" (where I work, mostly PhDs, we don't say "Doctor" in the workplace). Many professors expect to be called Dr. just to emphasize the difference between teacher/student (after the semester, you can go on the first name basis).

Now, as to the question of whether or not an MD should be called "Doctor" and a PhD should not: that is absolute stupidity. That person you were debating was wasting your time. There is no debate. An MD and PhD should both (in a formal context) be called Dr. A PhD is essentially the highest recognized degree obtainable in the U.S., in whatever field (sciences, English, etc.). It is separate from DDS and MD, etc., both of which command equal respect. Again, most PhDs I know don't care to be called Doctor. If you spend 5 to 7 years in grad school earning a PhD because you like the way "Doctor" sounds, not sure you did it for the right reasons!

There is a difference in usage. Casually, I call my dentist, physician, and optometrist "Dr." (sometimes more formally, Dr <first name> or Dr <last initial>--still shows respect but less formal). Scientist types (ahem, moi), you hardly ever call "doctor" in a casual context. But when you first meet them--or are being introduced--it is a sign of respect and the appropriate next step is, "please, call me Bill."

Just my two cents.

 

What do you call this "educated" guy if he is just an average, garden variety Phucking Dipsh!t?

 

You? Had a heated debate?

Noooooooooo


Re: the Dr. thing............

If I think a Phd. wants to be called Dr. then I usually don't.

 

PhD means Phony Doctor, dudn't it?

I call Medical Doctors "Doc" - PhD's "Herr Doktor," with a Frau Bleucher *neeeeiiiiiigghh* imitation thrown in for good measure.

 

My boss calls me doctor and several other people at work do too. The Japanese, Germans, Italians and Koreans always call me doctor, even when I say it is okay to just call me Erik.

I also answer to "hey, dip$hit".

 

Now, what is really funny regarding PhDs are the ones that put "Dr." in front of their names and "Ph.D." after them on business cards. I always call these people mister or just by their first name.

 

*What is your philosophy about PhD°s?

What did it require of you in terms of time, **money**, etc.?

*Replacement thread title, perhaps?
**No need to be specific about finances - I think it's a tacky question, myself.

 

Do the PhD doctors ever respond to someone yelling "is there a doctor in the house?" Think about that one...

 

They aren't for everyone and anyone that says they want one doesn't know what they are getting themselves into.

The whole process is centered around your ability to handle BS and frustration. In that regard, it is a great learning experience. I'm not much smarter now that I've finished it, but I am a much tougher (and sometimes more patient) SOB.

 

I demand my wife moan "doctor, doctor, doctor,doctor, DOCTOR,DOCTORRRR!!" during intimate times.

 

You are bad, Uro - really bad. I'm telling your wife when we meet up next Saturday night.

Dr., PhD, Chiropractor, blah, blah. Didn't Matteo say awhile back, "Face, a$$, same diff.?"