Doctor (Title) - Wikipedia
Doctor (Title) - Wikipedia
Doctor (title)
Doctor is an academic title that originates from the Latin word
of the same spelling and meaning.[1] The word is originally an
agentive noun of the Latin verb docēre [dɔˈkeːrɛ] 'to teach'. It
has been used as an academic title in Europe since the 13th
century, when the first doctorates were awarded at the
University of Bologna and the University of Paris.
The earliest doctoral degrees — in theology, law, and medicine — reflected the historical separation
of university study into these three fields. Over time, the Doctor of Divinity has become less
common, whereas studies in law and medicine have become more common. These areas were
historically referred to as "philosophy" (used as a general term for academic studies, not the
specific academic discipline of philosophy), but are now classified as humanities and sciences,
respectively. The historical usage survives in the degree of Doctor of Philosophy).
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The Doctor of Philosophy was originally a degree granted by a university to learned individuals
who had achieved the approval of their peers and who had demonstrated a long and productive
career in the field of philosophy (in the broad sense of the term, meaning the pursuit of
knowledge). The appellation "Doctor" (from Latin: teacher) was usually awarded only when the
individual was in middle age. It indicated a life dedicated to learning, knowledge, and the spread of
knowledge. The PhD entered widespread use in the 19th century at Friedrich Wilhelm University
in Berlin as a degree to be granted to someone who had undertaken original research in the
sciences or humanities. Prior to the formal degree, the contemporary doctorate (PhD), arguably,
arose in Leipzig as a successor to the Master's degree in 1652 (Dr. habil).[4]
In some European countries, such as Italy and Portugal, "Doctor" became a title given to all or
most degree holders, not just those with doctorates.[5][6] As a result, the title is now used by many
professionals in these countries, including those such as lawyers who are not normally granted the
title elsewhere.[7][8] The title is also used for lawyers in South America, where they have
traditionally earned doctoral degrees,[9][10][11][12] as well as in the former Portuguese territories of
Goa in India and Macau in China.[13]
However, the title, not being protected by law, was adopted by quacks.[15] As a result, by the mid
19th century, it was normal in the UK to omit the title "Dr" when addressing letters to those
holding doctoral degrees, and instead write the abbreviated form of the degree after the name, e.g.,
"The Reverend Robert Phelps, D.D.", "Thomas Elliotson, Esq. M.D.", or "John Lindsey, Esq.
Ph.D.", in order to avoid classing academic doctors "with the village apothecary and the farrier"
and various "quacks in literature, science, or art".[16] In the US it similarly became customary to
use post-nominals rather than the title of Doctor when addressing letters.[17] All those with
doctoral degrees continued to use the title professionally and socially.[18]
Despite being historically associated with doctorates in law, the title of doctor for lawyers has not
customarily been used in English-speaking countries, where lawyers were traditionally not
required to have a university degree and were trained by other lawyers by apprenticeship or in the
Inns of Court.[19] The exception being those areas where, up to the 19th century, civil law rather
than common law was the governing tradition, including admiralty law, probate and ecclesiastical
law: such cases were heard in the Doctor's Commons, and argued by advocates who held degrees
either of doctor of civil law at Oxford or doctor of law at Cambridge. As such, lawyers practicing
common law in England were not doctoral candidates and had not earned a doctorate. When
university degrees became more common for those wanting to qualify as a lawyer in England, the
degree awarded was the Bachelor of Laws (LLB). Similarly in the US, even though degrees became
standard for lawyers much earlier, the degree was again the LLB, only becoming the Juris Doctor
(JD) generally in the latter half of the 20th century.
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In many English-speaking countries, it is common to refer to physicians by the title of doctor, even
when they do not hold a doctoral level qualification. The word Doctor has long had a secondary
meaning in English of physician, e.g., in Johnson's Dictionary, which quotes its use with this
meaning by Shakespeare.[14] In the US, the medical societies established the proprietary medical
colleges in the 19th century to award their own MDs,[20] but in the UK and the British Empire,
where degree granting was strictly controlled, this was not an option. The usage of the title to refer
to medical practitioners, even when they didn't hold doctoral degrees, was common by the mid
18th century.[21] However, the first official recognition of Doctor being applied as a title to medical
practitioners regardless of whether they held a doctoral degree was in 1838, when the Royal
College of Physicians resolved that it would "regard in the same light, and address by the same
appellation, all who have obtained its diploma, whether they have graduated elsewhere or
not."[22][23]
The Medical Act 1858 made it illegal for anyone not qualified in medicine to use a title that implied
they were. This led to prosecutions of people making unauthorised use of the title "Dr".[24]
However, it also called into question the use of the title by licentiates of the Colleges of Physicians
– all of whom were, under the new act, allowed to practice throughout the UK. In 1859, the London
College reversed its earlier decision, resolving "That the title of Doctor shall not be given in any
official document issued from this College to any person who is not possessed of the Degree of
Doctor of Medicine".[23] This was followed up in 1860 by new bylaws that stated "No Fellow,
Member, or Licentiate of the College shall assume the title of Doctor of Medicine, or use any other
name, title, designation or distinction implying that he is a Graduate in Medicine of an University,
unless he be a Graduate in Medicine of an University".[25] In Ireland, the question of whether the
license of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland granted the title of Doctor of Medicine led to a
court case in 1861, with the conclusion that it did not.[26] The British Medical Journal (BMJ)
observed, however, that anyone wanting the right to the title of "Doctor" could gain it "with a five-
shilling degree of Doctor of Philosophy" from abroad, or could simply assume the title, as only
"Doctor of Medicine" was actually protected.[27] Debate continued as to the use of "Doctor" as a
courtesy title by those who did not use it by right as holders of doctoral degrees, with the BMJ
noting in 1876 that "We have again a sort of flood of letters for and against the use of the title of
Doctor by physicians" and in 1882 that "There is not any other subject which appears to excite so
wide spread an interest as this".[28][29] In February 1876, a report recommended that the Royal
College of Physicians should use the courtesy title of Doctor for all fellows and members, but this
was rejected.[30] Then in April of the same year, the college amended its bylaws to forbid any
fellow, member, extra-licentiate or licentiate from using the title of Doctor unless they had a
doctorate in medicine from a recognised university – closing the loophole the BMJ had
identified.[31] It was not until the early 20th century that this was reversed. In 1905 the Royal
College of Surgeons passed a motion instructing their council "to take the necessary steps in
conjunction with the Royal College of Physicians to ensure that all persons who pass the Conjoint
examination shall be legally entitled to call themselves Doctors". The council of the surgeons'
College felt it to be impractical to secure the legal right to the title as this would mean gaining the
right to award MDs, but noted that the title had been used by the public to refer to medics for
generations and was used without any legal right by Bachelors of Medicine – the only obstacle to
licentiates of both colleges doing the same was the prohibition in the physicians' bylaws. On this
occasion the College of Physicians refused to act, but they did finally relent in 1912, removing the
clause forbidding the assumption of the title of Doctor.[32][33] This was described in the American
press as "the British apostles of red-tape have been forced to bow to the popular will".[34]
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Regulation of the medical profession also took place in the United States in the latter half of the
19th century, preventing quacks from using the title of Doctor.[35] However, medical usage of the
title was far from exclusive, with it being acknowledged that other doctorate holders could use the
title and that dentists and veterinarians frequently did.[36] The Etiquette of To-day, published in
1913, recommended addressing letters to physicians "(full name), M.D." and those to other people
holding doctorates "Dr. (full name)", although both were "Dr." in the salutation and only
physicians were explicitly said to include their title on their visiting card.[37] By the 1920s there
were a great variety of doctorates in the US, many of them taking entrants directly from high
school, and ranging from the Doctor of Chiropractic (DC), which (at the time) required only two or
three years of college-level education,[note 1] up to the PhD. All doctoral degree holders, with the
exception of the JD, were customarily addressed as "Doctor", but the title was also regularly used,
without doctoral degrees, by pharmacists, ministers of religion, teachers and chiropodists, and
sometimes by other professions such as beauty practitioners, patent medicine manufacturers,
etc.[39]
By the 1940s, the widespread usage of the title in the US was under threat. A 1944 article claimed
that "the Ph.D. has immediate and far-reaching value of social as well as economic nature" due to
America's "national fondness for the tinsel of titles", but went on to note that some universities
were moving away from using the title, concluding that "it is ungracious in most environments not
to render unto the Doctor of Philosophy his 'Doctor' title".[40] The same writer noted in a letter to
the Journal of Higher Education in 1948 that Alfred University had banned the use of the title for
faculty (while retaining it for the president and deans) "in a strange move professedly designed to
uphold and promote 'democracy' and 'Americanism' ".[41] However, it was noted in 1959 that
professors with PhDs were now generally addressed as "Doctor", with the title of "Professor"
sometimes being substituted for those without doctorates, leading to a decline in the perceived
value of that title.[42] In the 1960s the inconsistent usage at American universities and colleges was
mentioned in the New York Times Book Review and the editor of Science noted that: "In some
universities, administrators call all Ph.D.'s 'Mister,' but students and colleagues call them 'Doctor.'
Often, but not always, Ph.D.'s are 'Misters' socially. In industry and government, both socially and
professionally, they are 'Doctors,' as they are also in the pages of the New Yorker, Time, the
Saturday Review, and the New York Times."[43] In 1965, the League of Women Voters designated
medical doctors "Dr." and PhDs "Mr." at a hustings in Princeton, leading to a letter of protest in
Science; it was reported that the League believed PhDs would be embarrassed by the title, and that
etiquette writers differed in whether PhDs used the title.[44] In 1970, reverse snobbism in the face
of the rising number of "discount doctorates" was linked to professors at prestigious universities
wanting to be called "mister".[45]
In the late 1960s the rising number of American law schools awarding Juris Doctor (JD) degrees
led to debate over whether lawyers could ethically use the title "Doctor". Initial informal ethics
opinions, based on the Canons of Professional Ethics then in force, came down against this.[46][47]
These were then reinforced with a full ethics opinion that maintained the ban on using the title in
legal practice as a form of self-laudation (except when dealing with countries where the use of
"Doctor" by lawyers was standard practice), but allowed the use of the title in academia "if the
school of graduation thinks of the J.D. degree as a doctor's degree".[48] These opinions led to
further debate.[49][50] The introduction of the new Code of Professional Responsibility in 1969
seemed to settle the question – in states where this was adopted – in favour of allowing the use of
the title.[51] There was some dispute over whether only the PhD-level Doctor of Juridical Science
should properly be seen as granting the title,[52] but ethics opinions made it clear that the new
Code allowed JD-holders to be called "Doctor", while reaffirming that the older Canons did not.[53]
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As not all state bars adopted the new Code, and some omitted the clause permitting the use of the
title, confusion over whether lawyers could ethically use the title "Doctor" continued.[54] The
introduction of further professional doctorates in the US at ISCED level 7, the same as the MD and
JD, has led to continuing debate about the use of the title by holders of such degrees, particularly
in medical contexts.[55][56][57]
In 2018, a decision by The Globe and Mail newspaper in Canada to update its style guide so as to
restrict the use of the title Doctor to medics led to a backlash on Twitter, particularly by women
with PhDs, using the #ImmodestWomen hashtag. This was widely reported on internationally and
led to The Globe and Mail reverting to its earlier style of using Doctor for both physicians and PhD
holders.[58][59][60][61] The Canadian University of Calgary also announced that it would adopt the
use of Doctor for those with doctoral degrees, breaking with the style recommended by the
Canadian Press.[62]
Doctor as a noun
Throughout much of the academic world, the term Doctor refers to someone who has earned a
doctoral degree (highest degree) from a university.[63] This is normally the Doctor of Philosophy,
abbreviated PhD (sometimes Ph.D. in North America) from the Latin Philosophiae Doctor or
DPhil from its English name,[64] or equivalent research doctorates at level 8 of the International
Standard Classification of Education 2011 classifications (ISCED 2011) or level 6 of the ISCED 1997
classifications. Beyond academia (but specifically in the anglophone world, Italy, and France),
Doctor as a noun normally refers to a medical practitioner,[63] who would usually hold a
qualification at level 7 of ISCED 2011/level 5 of ISCED 1997 such as the British MBBS or the
American MD or DO.[65]
Forms of address
When addressing several people, each of whom holds a doctoral title, one may use the plural
contraction "Drs" (or "Drs." in American English) – or in some languages (for example, German)
"Dres." (from the Latin doctores) may be used – for example, instead of Dr. Miller and Dr.
Rubinstein: Drs. Miller and Rubinstein. When referring to relatives with the same surname the
form "The Doctors Smith" can be used. The abbreviation Drs. can also refer to doctorandus, a
Dutch academic title that was replaced with the master title with the introduction of the master
system.
In English, Dr is not usually combined with other titles, except for The Reverend in "The Revd Dr"
before the surname of a minister of religion, e.g., "The Revd Dr Smith" or "The Revd John Smith,
DD", and similarly "Rabbi Dr". In Caribbean English, the usage "Dr. the Honourable" is common
for politicians holding doctoral degrees.[66][67][68] Usage in many other languages is similar to
English but some, notably German, allow for the stacking of titles.
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practitioners.[69]However, surgeons do not use the title of Dr and, due to the origins of surgery
with the barber surgeons, instead use Mr, Mrs, Ms, Miss, etc. This custom applies to surgeons of
any grade who have passed the appropriate exams and is not the exclusive province of consultant-
level surgeons. In recent times, other surgically orientated specialists, such as gynaecologists, have
also adopted these prefixes. A surgeon who is also a professor is usually known as "Professor" and,
similarly, a surgeon who has been ennobled, knighted, created a baronet or appointed a dame uses
the corresponding title (Lord, Sir, Dame). Physicians, on the other hand, when they pass their
"MRCP(UK)" examinations, or equivalent, do not drop Dr but retain it, even as consultants. The
status and rank of consultant surgeons, addressed as "Mister" or "Ms.", and consultant physicians,
addressed as "Doctor", is equivalent.
Worldwide usage
Asia
Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, use of the title of Doctor (Dr.) is permitted for
PhD degree holders and registered medical practitioners.
According to an amendment, universities are allowed to
approve or reject any subject proposed for a thesis by a A doctor receiving her PhD degree
candidate for the degree of "Doctor" in any subject.[70] For during a graduation ceremony
registered medical practitioners, only MBBS and BDS degree
holders are allowed to use the title "Dr." and be called "Medical
Doctors".[71] Registered veterinary practitioners may use the title "Dr." after earning the "Doctor of
Veterinary Medicine" (DVM) degree. However, Registered Homeopath practitioners also use the
title "Dr." even though, according to Homeopathic Practitioners Ordinance 1983, they are only
permitted to use "Homeopath".[72] Currently, Physiotherapy has no separate council and no
authorized act at present permits the use of the prefix "Dr." for physiotherapist. According to
Bangladesh Unani & Ayurvedic Practitioners Ordinance 1983, practitioners of the Unani system
are called "Tabib" or "Hakim" and are strictly prohibited from using the title "Dr."; similarly,
practitioners of Ayurvedic system are called "Vaid" or "Kabiraj" and are also strictly prohibited
from using "Dr.".[73] Currently, medical practitioners having MBBS degree or dental surgeons
having BDS are legally permitted to use "Dr." prefix. Using "Dr." for other medical practitioners
remains controversial.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong follows British practice in calling physicians "Doctor" even though many of them hold
only a degree of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS or MBChB). An attempt by
their professional body to prevent chiropractors from calling themselves "Doctor" failed in the
courts, in part because it was pointed out that practicing chiropractors may hold an academic
doctorate in their discipline, and it would be anomalous to prevent them using the title when
holders of doctorates in non-medical disciplines faced no such restriction.
India
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In India, the title is used by qualified professional medical practitioners in the fields of allopathic
medicine (MBBS), and dentistry(BDS) as well as by other practitioners like Siddha (BSMS), Yoga
and Naturopathy (BNYS), Ayurveda (BAMS), Unani (BUMS) and Homeopathy(BHMS),
Veterinarians (BVSc) and holders of doctoral degrees, including PhDs and pharmacists with
PharmDs.[74] Physiotherapists (BPT) use 'Doctor' as a suffix accompanied by the prefix PT.[75]
The usage by pharmacists is legally disputed,[76] while the Supreme Court of India has ruled
against the use of the title as a prefix by physiotherapists.[77][78]
Indonesia
The Indonesian titles "dr." is used in front of the name of medical doctor who holds a specification
as general practitioner, also when the doctor already holds his specialization to ___, such as
"Sp.THT" or "Spesialis Telinga, Hidung, Tenggorokan" (ENT or Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist).
Dr. is used in front of the name as the title "Doktor" for doctorate title, the same level as PhD title.
Pakistan
In Pakistan, the title of Doctor (Dr.) can be used by PhD degree holders as well as medical, dental,
optometry and veterinary doctors with MBBS, BDS, OD and DVM degrees respectively.[79] Usage
by physiotherapists DPT degree respectively is disputed, with the Pakistan Medical and Dental
Council saying they should not use the title, but the Pharmacy Council of Pakistan (the regulatory
body for pharmacists) and the Higher Education Commission permitting and encouraging its
use.[80]
Philippines
In the Philippines, titles and names of occupations usually follow Spanish naming conventions
which utilize gender-specific terms. "Doktór" is the masculine form, which retains the abbreviation
Dr.; the feminine form is "Doktóra", and is abbreviated usually as "Dra."; others, however, some
being Anglophones who wish to sound modern and Westernised (or were raised in an almost
exclusively English-speaking family environment), or some who advocate gender equality, would
dispense with the distinction altogether. There does exist in Filipino an equivalent, gender-neutral
term for the professional that carries the more general notion of "healer", traditional (for example,
an albuláryo) or otherwise: manggagámot. Contracted "Dr" or "Dr.", it is also used as a
designation for a person who has obtained a doctorate degree (e.g. PhD, EdD, DPA).
Sri Lanka
In Sri Lanka the title doctor "Dr." is used for PhD holders and medical practitioner such as
physicians, surgeons, dental surgeons and veterinarians. However, when addressing in native
Sinhalese a medical practitioner is addressed as "Vaidya" (වෛද්ය) or "Dosthara" (දොස්තර) while a
PhD holder is addressed as "Aacharya" (ආචාර්ය). It is a common practice for married female
medical practitioners to use the title "Dr (Mrs)" in a both professional and social capacity.
Thailand
The usage of Doctor (ดอกเตอร์) or Dr (ดร.) has been borrowed from English. It can be seen as a
title in academic circles and in the mass media. In contrast to other academic titles (Professor,
Associate Professor and assistant professor), the use of Doctor as a title has not been recognized by
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the Royal Institute of Thailand. Therefore, this title, in theory, cannot be used officially. For
example, in court of justice where strictly formal Thai language is used, Dr cannot be mentioned as
a person's title.
The Americas
Brazil
The 'doctor' title is used by individuals holding a PhD degree.[81] 'Doctor' is also used as a
deferential title in Brazilian Portuguese.[82] The title “Doctor” can also be used in Brazil to address
medics and lawyers by the law since the imperial times. The law was enacted by the second
Brazilian emperor, Dom Pedro II, to attract more medics and lawyers from other countries in
imperial times when there was very few practitioners of both professions in the country for the
crescent population of that time. The law still is enacted.
Canada
Canada lies somewhere between British and American usage of the degree and terminology of
"doctor". Holders of research doctorates – PhDs and similar degrees – commonly use the title
"doctor".[83] A number of regulated healthcare professionals can also use the title "doctor"; in
Ontario these are limited by law (in the provision of health care) to physicians, dentists,
optometrists, chiropractors, doctorate-level psychologists and social workers who are members of
the relevant Ontario college.[84][85] In Alberta, Registered Nurses or Nurse Practitioners with an
earned doctoral degree may use the title "doctor" in conjunction with professional practice.[86]
Some professionals earn degrees with the title of doctor but which are considered, despite their
name, to be at bachelor's-level, e.g. DDS, MD, JD.[87] In Ontario, registered naturopathic doctors
may only use the title "doctor" in written format if they also use the phrase, "naturopathic doctor"
immediately following their name, while a 2006 amendment that would allow practitioners of
Traditional Chinese Medicine to use the title has not, as of 1 August 2016, entered into force.[88] As
of 2022, in Alberta, Doctors of Acupuncture may use the doctor title. [89]
Quebec
The usage of the French Docteur and Docteure, and their abbreviated forms Dr, Dre, Dr and Dre, is
controlled by the Code des professions. As a pre-nominal title it can be used without any further
explication by physicians, veterinarians, and dentists. It can also be used prenominally, when
accompanied by the name of the profession immediately after the name, by professionals who
require a doctorate for their professional licence, such as psychology, and chiropractic, e.g. Dr X,
psychologue or Dr Y, chiropraticien. Academic doctors, where the doctorate is not required to
practice, bear the title only after their name; this is not abbreviated, e.g. M. Z, docteur en
philosophie not M. Z, PhD[90][91][92]
United States
In the United States, the use of the title "Doctor" is dependent upon the setting. The title is
commonly used socially by physicians and those holding doctoral degrees;[93] however, there was
formerly a division between Letitia Baldrige and Miss Manners on its social usage by those who are
not physicians.[94] Baldrige saw this usage as acceptable, while in contrast, Miss Manners wrote
that "only people of the medical profession correctly use the title of doctor socially," but supports
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those who wish to use it in social contexts in the spirit of addressing people according to their
wishes.[94][95] Miss Manners has since softened her approach, noting in her The Washington Post
column that there are two approaches: "having been earned, it should be used" and "that level of
education being assumed, it need not be expressly mentioned"; while she maintains that everyone
should be addressed according to their wishes, she no longer states that only medical professionals
use the title correctly but instead acknowledges that the title has been earned by those with
PhDs.[96] The Emily Post Institute similarly advises that "Socially as well as professionally, medical
doctors, dentists, and other professionals are addressed by, and introduced with, their titles.
People who have earned a Ph.D. or any other academic, nonmedical doctoral degree have the
choice of whether to use "Dr." both professionally and socially."[97] Other advice columns have also
noted that "it has become common to see someone with a Ph.D. addressed on the envelope as Dr.,
and as a consequence, deviation from convention has become acceptable."[98] The 2017 book
Etiquette Rules! gives identical forms for addressing a "doctor of medicine (MD), dental surgery
(DDS), veterinary medicine (DVM), etc.", and the holder of a PhD, advising in both cases the use of
initials after the name for formal correspondence and Dr. before the name for social
correspondence.[99] Although the usage of the title by Ph.D. graduates has become common, its
use socially by holders of professional doctorates (other than those noted) is neither explicitly
endorsed nor explicitly discouraged by writers on etiquette. Miss Manners has, however, stated
that a physician who has had their license revoked should be addressed by their former preferred
honorific (i.e. not according to their MD degree).[100] It is unusual for those who hold honorary
doctorates to use the title "Doctor".[101]
Publications from the office of the President of the United States of America also refer to PhD
holders as Dr. Soandso,[102][103] and Jill Biden, who holds an EdD, used the style "Dr. Jill Biden"
as second lady and has continued to do so as first lady.[104][105][106] For addresses (defined as "the
conventional forms of address as determined by social and official custom"), NASA uses "Dr. (full
name)" in addresses for PhD holders while for physicians it uses "(full name), MD", although both
are addressed as "Dr. (surname)" in the salutation (which is described as "informal").[107] The
National Institutes of Health similarly use "Dr. (surname)" in salutations for people with an MD,
PhD or DDS.[108] They advise using full name followed by degrees in addresses, explicitly stating
not to use the title "Dr.", although an example in the following paragraph does use the title rather
than giving degrees.[109]
Most newspapers in the US follow the AP Stylebook and reserve the title for physicians in their
house styles;[105] notable exceptions include The New York Times, which follows the preference of
the individual when referring to PhD holders (although the title is not used for those with honorary
doctorates),[110][111] and The Wall Street Journal, which similarly prefers "Dr." for PhD holders
and physicians (if this is the person's choice) while stating explicitly that the title is not used for
lawyers with JDs or people with honorary doctorates.[112] Until 1989, The Washington Post used
the title for "practitioners of the healing arts (including chiropractors and osteopaths) but not for
holders of PhDs or honorary degrees", after which it dropped its use entirely.[113] Some sources
state that AP style allows the use of Dr. for holders of non-medical doctoral degrees as long as their
speciality is given.[114][115]
The expansion of professional doctorates in clinical fields in the late 20th and early 21st centuries
has led to disputes between physicians and other medical professions over who can use the title in
a clinical context. This has been interpreted by some as part of larger battles within medicine, such
as who gets to treat patients first and who has prescribing authority.[116] The American Medical
Association calls for non-physicians (those not holding an MD or DO) who use the title "Doctor"
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and are in direct contact with patients to clarify that they are not physicians and to "define the
nature of their doctorate degree",[117] while the American Osteopathic Association opposes the use
of the title by non-physicians in clinical settings absolutely as (in their view) "such use deceives the
public".[118] Contrary to this, the Emergency Nurses Association has adopted as a position
statement that "1. Nurses are entitled to have their educational degrees recognized and
acknowledged in the same manner as other professions. 2. The proper title protection and use of
accurate credentials is appropriate in the clinical setting. 3. When being addressed or introduced
as doctor in the clinical environment, it is responsible practice for all healthcare providers to clarify
their professional role. 4. Patients, families and the general public have a right and expectation to
be informed regarding the credentials of their caregivers, including the use of the title
"doctor"."[119]
The American Medical Association launched a campaign in 2011 for states to adopt "truth in
advertising" legislation.[120] As a result, many states now have laws in place that protect the title of
doctor when offering medical services.[121] In some jurisdictions, the use of the title in health care
is limited to those who have both a doctorate and are licensed to practice medicine, and there is a
requirement that the field of the doctorate be disclosed.[122][123] Some other jurisdictions require
the practitioner to hold a doctorate and to disclose the field, but make no stipulations as to
licensing.[124] Some states require name badges to be worn in medical facilities giving first name,
licensure status, and staff position, although these laws may not explicitly address the use of the
title "Doctor".[125]
Although lawyers in the United States do not customarily use the title, the law degree in that
country is the Juris Doctor, a professional doctorate.[126] Some JD holders in the United States use
the title of doctor in professional situations, although ethics board decisions have varied on
whether this is permissible or might mislead the public into believing the lawyer was medically
qualified or had a PhD.[127][128] It is also sometimes used by JD holders in academic situations.[129]
In 2011, Mother Jones published an article claiming that Michele Bachmann was misrepresenting
her qualifications by using the "bogus" title Dr. based on her JD. The article was later amended to
note that the use of the title by lawyers "is a (begrudgingly) accepted practice in some states and
not in others", although they maintained that it was rarely used as it "suggests that you're a
medical doctor or a Ph.D.—and therefore conveys a false level of expertise".[130]
Ecclesiastical seminaries and entitled churches award their own doctorates in the United States,
e.g. the Doctor of Religious Science (Dr. sc. rel.), the Doctor of Divinity (DD), the Doctor of
Biblical Studies (DBS) or the Doctor of Metaphysics (Dr. mph.). These titles are most commonly
awarded to meritorious clerics for their outstanding work or another achievement in the field of
religious and biblical studies.[131][132][133]
American professional doctorates are not generally considered doctoral level degrees
internationally, instead being classified as bachelor's or master's level. The ISCED mapping for
these degrees, developed collaboratively between the US and UNESCO, places them at master's
level. As a result, holders of MD, JD, PharmD, etc. may not be permitted to use the title of Doctor
in countries such as Germany where this is strictly controlled.[134][135][136][137][138]
Europe
In the European Union, the title of doctor refers primarily to holders of post-graduate research
doctorates, such as the PhD. In many European languages the term doctor is distinct from a
medical practitioner, which can be referred to as e.g. läkare in Swedish, Arzt in German, dokter or
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Austria
In Austria, the degree Doktor is granted to holders of research degrees (ISCED 8) with a denoting
Latin particle being added (Dr. techn., Dr. phil., Dr. rer. nat., Dr.iur., Dr.theol. etc.). Newer study
programmes award a PhD, but these exist alongside the older degrees since many prefer obtaining
a Dr. to a PhD.[141] These degrees take 3–4 years full-time and are organised in doctoral schools.
In addition, the academic degree Doktor (ISCED 7) is granted to physicians (Dr. med. univ.) and
dentists (Dr. med. dent.), who since 2002 do not obtain doctoral degrees (ISCED 8) but instead
follow a master's level six-year training (360 ECTS) programme, similar to an American MD or
DDS.[142] For these degrees, students have to write a Diplomarbeit thesis of 50-100 pages.
Research doctorates in medicine (Dr. scient. med. or PhD) can also be obtained after a three year
full-time post-graduate study programme at a medical university.
All doctors may be addressed as "Doktor _____"; the title is usually contracted to "Dr. _____",
oftentimes they are just addressed as "Herr/Frau Doktor" (Mr/Ms Doctor), omitting the family
name unless they are being introduced to someone.[143]
Contrary to popular belief in the country, the title "Dr." is not part of a person's name or a specific
honour but simply a degree like BSc/BA, Mag (MA/MSc) or Dipl.-Ing. (MEng). It is not
mandatory to use it, although it may be added to official documents (e.g. driver's licence,
passport), if desired[144]
Finland
In Finland, the title of tohtori or doktor denotes holder of a research doctorate comparable to a
PhD. Getting the doctorate requires advanced studies after the master's degree, writing a thesis,
nowadays often a thesis by publication, and publicly defending the thesis. Customary doctorates do
not exist even in the field of medicine: physicians hold the degree of lääketieteen lisensiaatti
(Licentiate of Medicine), and are referred to simply as lääkäri (physician); "tohtori" would be
rustic or old-fashioned. A research doctorate in medicine, lääketieteen tohtori, requires further
research work and a separate doctoral thesis, and is not taken by all medical graduates. Regardless,
in Finnish usage, the use of titles is uncommon and restricted to only the most formal of contexts.
France
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In France, the title of Docteur is only used generally for physicians (médecin) but can also be used
by holders of research doctorates. Medical professionals do not normally hold a doctorate, which in
France always refers to a research doctorate, but a "State Diploma of Doctor of Medicine" (Diplôme
d'État de docteur en médecine).[145]
The law in France allows the title of Dr to be used professionally by holders of research doctorates,
with the field of their speciality being mentioned after the name.[146] The courts have ruled that
stating the specialisation is not necessary except in circumstances specifically related to
professional practice; at other times the title alone may be used.[147] The courts have also
determined that questioning the right of the holder of a research doctorate to use the title Dr is a
form of libel.[148] The National Union of Hospital Scientists (Syndicat National des Scientifiques
Hospitaliers) launched a campaign in 2015 to raise awareness of the right of scientists to use the
title.[149]
Germany
In German language-speaking countries, the word Doktor refers to a doctorate awardee in formal
language (similar to a PhD). It is distinct from Arzt, since a doctoral degree is not a requirement
for medical practitioners, though colloquial use of the word Doktor for physician is common and
ordinary people often incorrectly assume that only Doktors may practice medicine. For this reason,
80% of all students in medicine write "doctoral" dissertations, often comparable to a master's
thesis in science,[150] alongside their undergraduate studies to obtain a Dr. med. degree. The
European Research Council decided in 2010 that those Dr. med. doctorates do not meet the
international standards of a PhD research degree.[151][152]
In Germany, the most common doctoral degrees are Dr. med. (medicine), Dr. med. dent.
(dentistry), Dr. med. vet. (veterinary medicine), Dr. rer. nat. (natural sciences), Dr. phil.
(humanities), Dr. iur. (law), Dr. rer. pol. (economic and political sciences, also as Dr. rer. oec. in
Switzerland), Dr.-Ing. (engineering), and Dr. theol. (theology). All holders of doctoral degrees are
appropriately addressed as "Herr/Frau Dr. _____" in all social situations.
In Germany, double doctorates are indicated in the title by "Dr. Dr." or "DDr." and triple
doctorates as "Dr. Dr. Dr." or "DDDr." More doctorates are indicated by the addition of "mult.",
such as "Dr. mult." Honorary titles are shown with the addition of "h.c.", which stands for "honoris
causa". Example: "Dr. h.c. mult." Some honorary titles are shown by addition of German
equivalents of "h.c.", like "e.h.", "E.h.", or "eh.", which stand for "ehrenhalber" (honorary).
Example: "Dr. e.h. mult."
All people holding a doctorate from an EU member state are, since 2001, entitled to use "Doctor"
or "Dr." in all formal, legal and published communications without any further addenda. For
academics with doctorates from non-EU member states, the qualification must be recognised
formally ("validated") by the Federal Educational Ministry in Bonn. The recognition process can be
done by the employer or employee and may be part of the official bureaucracy for confirming
professional status and is dependent on individual bilateral agreements between Germany and
other countries and, since 2007, the Lisbon Recognition Convention.[153] An example of mutual
recognition of Doctor titles among EU countries is the "Bonn Agreement of November 14, 1994",
signed between Germany and Spain (prior to the general recognition of EU doctorates).[154]
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In 2008, The Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Länder
in the Federal Republic of Germany extended their 2001 decision to recognise EU PhDs to cover
PhDs that were awarded in Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, and some American universities. It
was announced in 2012 that this would be further extended to cover PhDs awarded in New
Zealand. PhDs that were awarded in the United States are recognized if the awarding institution is
classified by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as a "Research University
(high research activity)" or as a "Research University (very high research activity)." Permission to
use the title covers only scientific research degrees and does not extend to professional degrees
such as the MD or JD.[155][156][157]
Greece
In Greece, doctor "Διδάκτωρ" (didáktor) is indicated in the title as Δρ and it is used for holders of
doctoral degrees. Other alternative names are also used, namely «δόκτωρ» and «δόκτορας»,
derived from the French "docteur". The term "Ιατρός" (iatrós) indicates medical practitioners.
Hungary
In Hungary, graduates of six-year medical schools (dr. med.), five-year dentistry schools (dr. med.
dent.), five-year law schools (dr. jur.) and five-year veterinary medical schools (dr. vet.) receive the
title of a doctor at the end of their studies, after completing and successfully defending their thesis;
their undergraduate studies must have lasted for a minimum of three years. Completing a PhD
research programme (or DLA in arts and music) also leads to the doctor title. Since 2008, also
those who graduated of five-year pharmacy schools have the right to use the title "dr" (dr. pharm.).
A large part of Hungarians with doctor titles received their titles for research in the old academic
system before PhD was introduced in Hungary. Since the introduction of PhD title (1993), the dr.
univ title (given before 1993). The CSc Candidate of Science title was a scientific title in the old
academic system and is now treated as an equivalent of PhD. CSc titles were awarded by the
Hungarian Academy of Sciences.
The highest level doctoral degree in Hungary is DSc Doctor of Sciences, awarded by the Hungarian
Academy of Sciences. It is also called Doctor of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences.
The title of doctor used to become a part of the name and was added as such to personal identity
documents. This practice is still common and graduates after receiving their diploma would usually
change their personal documents in order to officially indicate the achievement.
Ireland
Usage in Ireland is similar to that in the UK. The title of doctor is used for holders of doctoral
degrees[158] as well as for medical practitioners (except surgeons),[159] dentists,[160] and vets.[161]
The title is also used in Ireland for Catholic bishops, who are styled "The Most Reverend Dr X,
Bishop of Y" on envelopes.[162]
Italy
The first university of Western civilization, the University of Bologna, is located in Italy, where
until modern times the only degree granted was that of the doctorate,[163] and all other Italian
universities followed that model. During the 20th century Italian universities introduced more
advanced research degrees, such as the PhD, and now that it is part of the EU Bologna Process, a
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new three-year first degree, or "laurea" (equivalent to a BA of other countries, EQF & ISCED 2011
Level 6), has been introduced. The old-style "laurea" is now known as "laurea
magistrale/specialistica" (Bologna Process second cycle/EQF & ISCED 2011 Level 7). For historical
reasons, even to this day, the title of "dottore/dottoressa" (abbrev. both as dott/dott.ssa or as
dr./dr.ssa ) is awarded even to those who have studied for a "laurea"(EQF & ISCED 2011 Level 6).
Upper levels of degree are anyway shown in the title, as those who obtain a master's degree can be
referred to as "dottore/dottoressa magistrale" (masterly doctor, EQF & ISCED 2011 Level 7) while
those who achieve the relatively new program of "dottorato di ricerca" (research doctorate,
equivalent of a PhD in English-speaking or Doktor (Dr.) in German-speaking Countries, EQF &
ISCED 2011 Level 8), carry the title of "dottore/dottoressa di ricerca" (research doctor), which can
be abbreviated as "Dott. Ric." or "Ph.D."[164]
Malta
In Malta, the title of Doctor is used by academic doctors (with PhDs), medical practitioners,
dentists and lawyers. Its use by lawyers is due to the qualifying degree for practicing law having
been the LLD until reforms in 2014, and has been described as "historical baggage" by the Dean of
the University of Malta's law school. Lawyers do not generally use the title when practicing outside
of Malta.[165]
Netherlands
In the Dutch language the word "dokter" refers to a physician, whereas "doctor" refers to the
academic title. The doctor title is abbreviated as dr. placed before the holders name (note the
lowercase).
To enter a Dutch doctoral defense, the candidate must hold a validated master's degree (a master's
degree of an acknowledged university, or a master equivalent degree validated on a case-by-case
basis by the Dutch government). In some cases the candidate can be granted special dispensation if
no master's degree is held. There is no specific notation of the discipline in which the doctorate is
obtained. Once the doctorate is obtained the preceding master's degree is generally no longer
reported. Exceptions only exist for the disciplines with specific master titles of engineering "ir."
("ingenieur", i.e. Engineer) and law "mr." ("meester", i.e. Master of Law) where the title dr. is
added to the original master title. For these disciplines, the original master's degree abbreviation is
combined with the dr. abbreviation thus resulting in for example "dr. ir. Familyman". The dr. title
is always placed in front of the ir. title. In the case of a PhD in law, the original mr. title is placed
before the dr. title (mr. dr., see e.g. Jan Peter Balkenende). For a person having a law master's
degree, but holding a PhD in another field than law the mr. title is placed after the dr. title (dr.
mr.). No specific notation or title for the medical disciplines exists in the Netherlands. Although a
physician is usually referred to as "dokter" (note the spelling difference) this does not necessarily
imply the physician holds a doctoral degree; nor does it give the physician a title equivalent to that
of PhD.
Confusion can be caused by the original Dutch Master level title "drs." (for all non-engineering and
non-law master's degrees). This abbreviation stands for the Dutch title doctorandus Latin for "he
who should become a doctor" (female form is "doctoranda"). Dutch drs. should not be confused
with the plural 'doctorates': having multiple PhDs. Once a doctorate is achieved the doctorandus is
promoted to doctor, and no longer uses the drs. abbreviation.
Stacking of multiples titles of the same level, as seen in countries like for example Germany (Dr.
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Dr. Dr. Musterfrau) is highly uncommon in the Netherlands (although stacking of titles with
different levels is common: prof. dr. ir. Appelmans). Those who have multiple doctor titles may use
dr.mult. before their name, although this is rarely used.
After obtaining a doctorate successfully, Dutch doctors may bear either the title dr. (lower case)
before, or the letter D (rarely in practice) behind their name, but not both simultaneously. In the
Netherlands, Academic titles are used exclusively within academia. Holding a doctorate has
become a standard requirement for a university career. The doctor title has little to no meaning or
implications for public life outside academia. It cannot be added to documentation (e.g. passport,
drivers licence), and is used infrequently in daily practice.
Historically, the Netherlands used their own academic degree nomenclature, but for many years
now have recognised and implemented the Bologna declaration. In everyday practice, the Anglo
Saxon titles (e.g. PhD) are frequently used. Dutch academic titles and degrees are legally protected,
and as of 2021 the traditional ’dr.’ and the PhD are legally equivalent and can be used
interchangeably. Doctoral degrees (PhD degrees) can only be granted by recognised (research)
universities. Illegal use of the title is considered a misdemeanour and subject to legal
prosecution.[166][167]
Portugal
In Portugal, up to recent times after the completion of an undergraduate degree – except in
architecture and engineering – a person was referred to as doutor (Dr.) – male or doutora (Dra.)
– female. The architects and engineers were referred by their professional titles: arquitecto (Arq.)
and engenheiro (Eng.). Nurses are also referred to as "nurse", enfermeiro (male) or enfermeira
(female), the title being Enf. for both.
Nowadays Portugal is a signatory to the Bologna process and according to the current legislation
the title of Doctor (doutor, doutora) is reserved for graduate holders of an academic doctorate.[168]
Professions such as physicians, attorneys, pharmacists, veterinarians, and few others are usually
referred to by the title Dr. (doutor) even if they have not been awarded a doctoral degree.
However, custom gives the legislation little strength and most graduates use the Dr. title in its
abbreviated form, although use of the full Doutor is normally restricted to those with doctorates.
Those who are both holders of an academic doctorate and Professors at a college level are generally
referred to as Professor Doutor.[169]
Spain
The social standing of Doctors in Spain is evidenced by the fact that only PhD holders, Grandees
and Dukes can take seat and cover their heads in the presence of the King.[170]
PhD Degrees are regulated by Royal Decree (RD 1393–2007),[171] Real Decreto (in Spanish). They
are granted by the university on behalf of the King, and its Diploma has the force of a public
document. The Ministry of Science keeps a national database of doctoral theses called TESEO.[172]
Any person who uses the Spanish title of doctor/doctora (or Dr./Dra.) without being included in
this Government database can be prosecuted for fraud. However, the Spanish Royal Academy
recognises that it is used colloquially to describe physicians, even without doctoral degrees, as well
as (in the feminine form, doctora, abbreviated Dra.) the wives of doctors (i.e. holders of doctoral
degrees) and medics, as well as "women who shine with wisdom and understanding".[173]
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Unlike other countries, until recently Spain has registered a comparatively small number of Doctor
degree holders, but the tendency is changing.[174] According to the Spanish Statistical Office (INE),
less than 5% of MSc degree holders are admitted to PhD programs.[175] This reinforces the prestige
that Doctors have historically enjoyed in Spain's society.
United Kingdom
Doctor is commonly used in the United Kingdom as the title for a person who has received a
doctoral degree or, as courtesy title, for a qualified medical practitioner or dentist who does not
have a doctorate.[176] There are no restrictions on the use of the title "Doctor" in the United
Kingdom, except where, in commercial advertising, it might imply that the user holds a general
medical qualification.[177] The UK government allows medical doctors and holders of doctorates to
have the title recorded on the observations page of their UK passport.[178] The lack of legal
restrictions was confirmed in Parliament in 1996 by health minister Gerald Malone, who noted
that the title doctor had never been restricted by law to either medical practitioners or those with
doctoral degrees in the UK, although the titles "physician, doctor of medicine, licentiate in
medicine and surgery, bachelor of medicine, surgeon, general practitioner and apothecary" were
protected.[179]
According to the etiquette guide, Debrett's, holders of doctoral degrees and medical doctors (but
not surgeons) should be addressed as "Doctor".[180][181] For medical doctors, "Doctor" is a
professional title rather than an academic one: it is due to their being a medical practitioner rather
than their having gained a doctoral degree.[182] The Quality Assurance Agency states that "The use
of the title 'Dr' by medical doctors is a historical abbreviation for the profession; it does not
indicate a qualification at doctoral level".[183] On guest lists and seating plans for formal events,
holders of academic doctorates (but not medical doctors or other people using the title as a
courtesy title) are listed either as "Dr John Smith" or "John Smith, Esq, PhD", while untitled men
(other than those holding doctorates) are shown as either "Mr John Smith" or "John Smith, Esq"
(as appropriate to ensure the styling remains consistent).[note 2][184] The title "Dr" is also used on
visiting cards.[185]
Medical students in the UK normally complete a course of study leading to the degree of Bachelor
of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS, BMBS or MBChB).[186] The MD degree is not a
qualifying degree in the UK, but can be either a professional doctorate (at the same academic level
as a PhD), a doctorate by thesis, or a higher doctorate, depending on the university.[187] To be
eligible for an MD degree in the UK one must already hold an entry level medical degree (for
example, MBBS, MBChB, BMed, or a North American MD degree) and usually must have had at
least 5 years of postgraduate training and experience. Trainee doctors are permitted to use the title
Doctor once they have started their post-graduation "Foundation Programme".[188]
Debrett's states that medical doctors (except surgeons) should be addressed on envelopes as "Dr
(full name), (medical qualifications)", e.g. "Dr John Smith, MD", "Dr Anne Jones, MB BS, FRCP",
"Dr David Evans, MB ChB", contrary to the normal rule of not mixing titles and post-nominals.
Surgeons (and dentists, if not holding a doctoral degree) should be "(full name), Esq,
(medical/dental qualifications)",[note 3] e.g. "John Smith, Esq, MS, FRCS", "David Evans, Esq.,
BDS", but "Dr Anne Jones, DDS, FDS RCS",. By contrast, those holding (non medical or dental)
doctoral degrees, if not surgeons, should be "Dr (full name)" without post-nominals on envelopes,
e.g. "Dr John Smith".[182][190]
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A & C Black's Titles and Forms of Address diverges from Debrett's on how to address envelopes to
medical doctors, omitting the pre-nominal title of Dr (e.g. John Smith, Esq, MD; John Smith, MD;
John Smith, MB) except in Scotland and for general practitioners, where the post-nominals are
instead usually omitted (e.g. Dr John Smith). Black's also state that it is down to individual choice
whether non-medical doctors are addressed on envelopes as "Dr John Smith" or "John Smith, Esq,
PhD" (or appropriate letters for the doctorate held), with the exception of doctors of divinity, who
would be "The Rev. J. Smith, DD" on the envelope and "Reverend Sir" in a formal salutation
(informally in the salutation "Dear Dr Smith", and "Dr Smith" in speech).[note 4][note 5][191]
The custom of not referring to surgeons (members and fellows of the Royal College of Surgeons) as
Dr has been commented on in the British Medical Journal and may stem from the historical
origins of the profession such as that some barbers also used to function as surgeons.[192] In 2005,
the then-president of the Royal College of Surgeons called upon surgeons to use the title of Dr,
saying that the use of Mr or Miss was confusing to patients.[193] Black's note that gynaecologists
are addressed as surgeons in England and Wales but as doctors elsewhere.[191]
In a similar manner to the medical MBBS, dentists qualify with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)
and vets with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc), Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (BVetMed)
or Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVMS). All of these are, like the MBBS, master's
level qualifications that bear bachelor's designations for historical reasons.[194]
Dentists have traditionally (as dental surgeons) been referred to in the same way as surgeons, but
since 1995 the General Dental Council have permitted dentists to use the title "Doctor",[195] though
many do not choose to do this, thereby stressing their surgeon status. However, Debrett's
continues to advises that dentists are normally addressed as surgeons and that the title "Doctor" is
usually only used for dentists who have a doctoral degree.[182]
On 5 March 2015 the council of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) voted to permit
its members to use the courtesy title of "Doctor". Guidance from the RCVS says the title should be
used either with the description "veterinary surgeon" or the postnominals "MRCVS" to ensure
there is no confusion with doctors of human medicine or holders of doctoral degrees.[196]
Optometrists are not permitted to use the title "Doctor" based on their initial qualification
(BOptom or BSc (Optom)).[197] Optometrists can earn PhDs or Doctor of Optometry degrees (in
the UK a PhD-level qualification for qualified optometrists with experience in practice[198]).
Ophthalmologists are fully qualified medical doctors. However, ophthalmology is considered a
branch of surgery, thus ophthalmologists, like other surgeons in the UK, do not use the title
"Doctor".[199]
The General Chiropractic Council permits registered chiropractors to use the title "Doctor",
although it advises chiropractors to avoid using the title in advertising or, if they do, to spell out
that they are "Doctors of Chiropractic".[200] The Committee of Advertising Practice advises,
however, that "references to 'DC' or 'doctor of chiropractic' are unlikely to dispel that misleading
impression [of being a medical practitioner], when used in conjunction with unqualified references
to the prefix 'Dr' ", saying that the use of the title by chiropractors may be acceptable in advertising
if "clearly and prominently qualified with additional text which makes clear it is a courtesy title and
that the practitioner does not hold a general medical qualification".[201]
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The Advertising Standards Authority has ruled that practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine
should not use the title doctor in adverts unless they hold a general medical qualification and are
registered with the General Medical Council.[202] It similarly advises that osteopaths should not
use the title unless holding a general medical qualification.[203] There have also been rulings that
an advert for an osteomyologist which referred to him as a doctor was misleading, as was an advert
which used the title "Dr" and the post-nominals "PhD" on the basis of a PhD from an unaccredited
university.[204][205]
Holders of honorary doctorates in the UK have the right, in most cases, to use the title of Doctor,
although holders are encouraged to refrain from doing so.[206] Black's says that "The same rules
apply as to other holders", although notes that the post-nominals would not normally be used.[191]
In some circumstances, "doctor" may be used on its own as a form of address rather than as a title
before a name. This is limited to when the person is being addressed by their job title and so is only
used for medical doctors.[207]
Wales
Wales follows UK usage in English. In Welsh, the holder of a doctoral degree is doethur while a
medical doctor is doctor or meddyg.[208][209] The title "y Doethur" is used by those holding
doctorates, e.g. "y Doethur Brinley Jones",[210] "y Doethur John Elfed Jones",[211] which can be
abbreviated "Dr".[212] Medical doctors use, as in English, the title "Doctor", also abbreviated "Dr".
Former Yugoslavia
In countries that were formerly Yugoslavian republics, such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia,
North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia the title formally belongs to holders of
academic doctoral degree such as doctor of science (dr. sc.) or doctor of arts (dr. art.) degree. There
is no "Ph.D." in any of those countries, even though when holders are translating their dr. sc.
degree to English, they nevertheless use "Ph.D.", even though it should be "D.Sc." or "Sc.D.".
Informally, the title, in both its full and abbreviated form (i.e. "dr.") is used honorifically to address
medical doctors even in more formal environment like in lectored media texts, however officially it
is reserved only for the holders of academic degrees. Formally the professional title for medical
doctor is "lijekar" in Bosnian and Montenegrin, "liječnik" in Croatian, "lekar/лекар" in
Macedonian and Serbian and "zdravnik" in Slovenian and they can hold different academic
degrees, as well as additional honorific title of Primarius that is given to distinguished specialists
with exemplary reputation and achievements.
Oceania
Australia
With the introduction of National Health Practitioner registration legislation on 1 July 2010, the
title "doctor" is not restricted in any Australian state. The title "medical practitioner" is restricted
for use by registered medical practitioners, while the title "doctor" is not restricted by law.[213][214]
Despite this, the Medical Board of Australia advises that practitioners who are not medical
practitioners who choose to use the title 'Doctor' (or 'Dr') should clearly state their profession in
advertisements, even if they hold a PhD or another doctoral degree, e.g. 'Dr Smith (Dentist)' or 'Dr
Jones (Chiropodist)'. The Psychology Board of Australia prohibits psychologists from using the
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title, to avoid confusion with psychiatrists, unless they hold a doctoral degree, in which case they
must make it clear that they are not a medical practitioner or psychiatrist, e.g. by putting
'(Psychologist)' after their name.[215] The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) defines
doctoral degrees as being at Level 10 of the framework; it specifies that: "Individuals who have
been awarded a Doctoral Degree at Level 10 on the AQF are entitled to use the title 'Doctor'. The
title 'Doctor' will not be used by those who hold an honorary award."[216] The name 'Doctor' is also
used in the name of some extended master's degrees at Level 9 (e.g. Juris Doctor and Doctor of
Medicine); these are not considered doctoral degrees.[217]
Abbreviation
Doctor is abbreviated "Dr" in British English and "Dr." in North American English. The plural
abbreviation is "Drs".
British usage
In British English it is not necessary to indicate an abbreviation with a full stop after the
abbreviation, when the first and last letters of the abbreviation are the same as for the
unabbreviated word, i.e. the abbreviation is a contraction, as in the case for "Doctor".[218][219]
In the United Kingdom, it is normal also to omit stops from postnominal letters, thus the usual
abbreviation for "Doctor of Philosophy" is "PhD" (or "DPhil", where this is used). The fully
punctuated "Ph.D." or "D.Phil." is anachronistic and, where the abbreviated form of the degree is
defined by regulation rather than custom (e.g. Oxford), may be technically incorrect.[220]
American usage
American English makes no distinction between abbreviations that are contractions and
abbreviations that are not. A period is used: the abbreviation of Doctor is usually written as "Dr."
in North America.[221] However, the US Postal Service prefers punctuation to be omitted from
addresses.[222]
Honorary doctorates
An honorary doctorate is a doctoral degree awarded for service to the institution or the wider
community. It may also be awarded for outstanding achievement in a particular field. This service
or achievement does not need to be academic in nature. Often, the same set of degrees is used for
higher doctorates, but they are distinguished as being honoris causa: in comprehensive lists, the
lettering used to indicate the possession of a higher doctorate is often adjusted to indicate this, for
example, "Hon ScD", as opposed to the earned research doctorate "ScD". The degrees of Doctor of
the University (DUniv) and Doctor of Humane Letters (DHL), however, are only awarded as
honorary degrees.
By convention, recipients of honorary doctorates do not use the title "Dr" in general
correspondence, although in formal correspondence from the university issuing the honorary
degree it is normal to address the recipient by the title.[223][224] However, this social convention is
not always scrupulously observed; notable people who defied social convention and used the
honorary prefix include:
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Benjamin Franklin, who received honorary master's degrees from Harvard and Yale in 1753,
and from The College of William and Mary in 1756,[225] and doctorates from the University of
St Andrews in 1759 and the University of Oxford in 1762 for his scientific
accomplishments.[226][227] He thereafter referred to himself as "Doctor Franklin".[228]
Maya Angelou, who held many honorary doctorates, called herself and was referred to by
many as "Dr. Angelou" despite holding no undergraduate or advanced (non-honorary)
degree.[229]
Booker T. Washington was often referred to as "Dr. Washington" after receiving an honorary
doctorate from Dartmouth College.
Sukarno, President of Indonesia, was awarded twenty-six honorary doctorates from various
international universities including Columbia University, the University of Michigan, the
University of Berlin, the Al-Azhar University, the University of Belgrade, the Lomonosov
University and many more. And also from domestic universities including the Universitas
Gadjah Mada, the Universitas Indonesia, the Bandung Institute of Technology, and the
Universitas Padjadjaran. He had often been referred to by Indonesian Government at the time
as 'Dr. Ir. Sukarno',[230] combined with his degree in architecture (Ir.) from Bandung Institute of
Technology. Sukarno is the president with the highest number of honorary doctorates in the
world.[231]
Author and lexicographer Samuel Johnson, who had some years earlier been unable (due to
financial considerations) to complete his undergraduate studies at Pembroke College, Oxford,
was awarded the degree of Master of Arts by diploma in 1755, in recognition of his scholarly
achievements.[232] In 1765, Trinity College Dublin awarded him the degree of Doctor of
Laws[233] and in 1775 Oxford bestowed upon him the degree of Doctor of Civil Law by
diploma.[234] He never referred to himself as "Dr. Johnson", even though a degree by diploma
is distinct from an honorary degree, but it was used by his contemporaries and in his biography
by James Boswell.[233][235]
See also
Ijazah
Postdoc
Notes
1. The requirements for the DC are higher in the modern era, typically needing four years of
bachelor's-level pre-medical training for entry followed by a four to five year professional
course[38]
2. No example is given for untitled women, either holding doctorates or otherwise
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3. Debrett's gives no examples of the form for addressing a woman who is a surgeon or dentist;
usual British practice is only to use "Esq" for men[189]
4. Black's notes that non-clergy may be awarded DDs but gives no examples
5. Black's give no examples of addressing women with doctoral degrees or medical qualifications
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External links
The Use of Dr. in British Columbia law for Optometrists (http://www.bclaws.ca/EPLibraries/bcla
ws_new/document/ID/freeside/27_33_2009#section3)
Indiana usage of Dr. title (http://iga.in.gov/legislative/laws/2020/ic/titles/024/#24-5-0.5-12)
SECTION 1. IC 24-5-0.5–12 IS
use of Dr. title in names in Hungary (https://web.archive.org/web/20160305041541/http://net.jo
gtar.hu/jr/gen/getdoc2.cgi?dbnum=1&docid=99900168.KOR&cel=P(3))
Scholasticism and Humanism in Classical Islam and the Christian West by George Makdisi (htt
ps://www.jstor.org/stable/604423).
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