Hello, In what arenas is it appropriate to refer to a PhD as "Dr. So-and-so" outside of a school? For example, a PhD in Human Services, or a PhD in Electrical Engineering, or a PhD in Psychology. Are there any situations when referring to yourself as Dr. (for a PhD) is considered inappropriate? I'm working on my PhD in Human Services - Marriage & Family Therapy (still have another two years,just completed my MS) and am wondering whether or not I can call myself Dr. in the future. Thank you! ~Michele (curious after PhD father told me he'd never use his EE Dr. title outside of school settings)
There are some situations where it may be inappropriate. Dr. Bear had an example of an audiologist with a Ph.D. being in trouble for calling himself *Dr.* because it is a profession closely aligned with the medical profession and could lead to consumer confusion. As a general guideline I would say you have every right to refer to yourself as *Dr.* So and So in any situation where people are normally referred to as Mr. or Ms. That title is a title that you will have earned and worked hard for. Military people are often referred to by their title even after they have retired as are politicians. In any case an active duty Colonel is not Ms. Smith they are Colonel Smith or Col. & Mr. Smith. Where I have seen it look egotistical is when everyone else is referred to as John or Marie and you have the one *Dr.* So and So. (I know of an Ed.D. who does that). But beyond that you will find that often those against the use of the title are feeling degree envy. In places like Europe it is expected that you will be accorded respect for your accomplishments whether you are a Master German Baker or a Herr Professor. So in lieu of Ms Michelle So and So use Dr. Michelle So and So. You will have earned it. North
In most circumstances, I would say that you should feel free--though I recommend using the degree rather than the title whenever possible (e.g. "Laura Schlessinger, Ph.D." rather than "Dr. Laura Schlessinger") to avoid confusion, and would avoid using the title in any context where it might suggest that one is a licensed physician. Cheers, ------------------ Tom Head www.tomhead.net co-author, Bears' Guide to the Best Education Degrees by Distance Learning (Ten Speed Press) co-author, Get Your IT Degree and Get Ahead (Osborne/McGraw-Hill)
Of course, chiropractics, optometrists, and podiatrists engange in this behavior all the time, not to mention psychologists. I agree with Tom that it's normally okay to use the title professionally as long as it doesn't tend to confuse people (like Dr. Ruth with her Ed.D.). Outside the professional arena it gets more grey. I think it's toady to refer to yourself as "Dr. So-and-so" in any situation, but especially outside the workplace. If others do it (say, to introduce you), you might want to step in with a "Call me Roger." (Unless, of course, you're name isn't "Roger." In that case, you're on your own. ) Rich Douglas
I don't think it is "toady" if others are referred to as Mr or Ms. I do have an issue when everyone else is referred to as John or Graciela except the Ph.D. I know of an Ed.D who does this but I also know of cases where it is certainly not the individual with the degrees insisting on it. For instance our church bulletin referred to people as Joseph X and then to the Ph.D.'s as Dr. Josefina X. That stopped pretty soon after it started as it was the doing of a well meaning church secretary. The Ph.D.'s did not make a habit of referring to themselves as "Dr." Now, church directories which refer to people as Mr. & Mrs Konrad Xmier ought to refer to a Ph.D. as Dr. & Mr. (or Mrs). That is correct useage. North
I think there is a special dispensation during the first 60 days after receiving your degree. During that period of grace, you may refer to yourself as Dr. So-and-so as often as you like, even to your children and parents.
I tried to get my wife to refer to me as Master when I got my M.A. Needless to say I ended up sharing the dog house with are schnauzer (man talk about morning breath - he has got it bad). North
I agree with Rich...if and when I ever do complete a doctorate, I would never be so presumptious to refer to myself as "Dr. Bruce Tait". If I was teaching a course, I'd list myself as "Bruce Tait, Ph.D." on the syllabus, only because I think the students who have paid money to sit in my class have a right to know my credentials, and I have an obligation to tell them. Other then that, I much prefer that people call me Bruce. Bruce
I agree with Mr., er, Dr. Evil when he said, "That's *Dr.* Evil, to you! I didn't spend six years in Evil Graduate School to be called 'Mr.,' thank you very much!" Tracy<><
Thank you everyone, for your input. I will definitely take advantage of the special dispensation period after graduation and have everyone refer to me by my rightfully earned title! BTW, North, since I have my Master's Degree now, should my husband refer to me as Master Michele or Mistress Michele for the next 60 days? Many thanks for all your answers, ~Michele
Hi Michelle, I have seen occasional (increasing) written references to PhD Jane Smith or PhD John Smith (called doctor). Which would appear to be sensible alongside official engineering registrants such as Eng. Abdullah Ahmed or Ing. Jose Delgado in certain countries. And Dr. Brown for a physician or medical professional. Regards, Neil Hynd
"And Dr. Brown for a physician or medical professional." Actually, M.D.s and other professional medical degrees are relatively recent additions to the "doctors", but medical professionals have insisted on using the label to such an extent that they have created a situation where many people instantly associate "doctor" with medicine. "Doctor" originally meant "teacher". I think physicians and other medical professionals should do like the rest of us and put their degree initials after their names. For example, John Doe, M.D. Many physicians already do so. Tom Rogers, B.A., M.A., M.Ed., M.L.S.
It's been my observation that medical doctors tend to follow this already; it's the rest of the bunch that play games with this. Chiropractics, optometrists, podiatrists and the like often list themselves on signage as "Dr. So-and-so," rather than "So-and-so, O.D. (or D.C., or D.P.M.). I firmly believe they do so to trade on the "doctor equals physician" thinking engaged in by the general public. This is much more fertile ground for (purposeful?) confusion than some Ed.D. calling him/herself "doctor." I agree that the solution would be for everyone to use trailing initials in formal titles, with "Dr." used conversationally (or in writing) after the initials have been used. The symposium was organized by John Doe, Ph.D. Dr. Doe is a long-standing member of...." Rich Douglas
Out here in the American West, the only doctorate holders who almost NEVER call themselves "Doctor" are the M.Ds! (Well, us lawyers, too, but the J.D. doesn't really count.) Nosborne
Greetings all, The term doctor has traditionally been used in reference to teachers or learned persons. As the art of medicine has become one of higher learning (as opposed to one of leeches and barber-surgery), the term has also been applied to physicians (who in the modern sense are most assuredly learned persons). The title dates to about the early 14th century and is derived from the Middle English doctour (teacher) or from Medieval Latin docere (to teach). Any person who earns a terminal doctorate (academic or professional) is entitled to be addressed as Doctor. Whether or not they choose to is strictly a matter of preference. The only legal issues that may hinge upon someone not connected with the healing arts using the term, relates to the modern concept of practicing medicine without a license. If one is in a position where their views, advice, etc. might be construed as a medical directive, then they may have some problems. Dr. Ruth or Dr. Laura, for example don't get sued, because they are not dispensing medical advice (and I believe that both frequently stated that they were Ed.D and Ph.D. respectively as opposed to M.D.). Hope that everyone had a nice Thanksgiving. Tony