Calling a Ph.D "Doctor"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I shut down when people call me doctor because know they want something or are missing up for some reason.

I only call practicing MDs doctor. I would not be able to keep a straight face if I had to refer to someone with a doctorate in education as doctor.

My dad is a psychiatrist. When someone asks if there's a doctor around (which happens more frequently than you might think), he always holds back a second to see if a "real doctor " answers first.

He tells a great story about the time he was in a restaurant when someone had a heart attack. The only two medical professionals were him and a podiatrist, and they needed someone "in the middle." (The guy survived just fine with the help of a foot & head doctor.)

It sucks that your dad went thru med school but can't save a life. He doesn't deserve the title Doctor.

And it's scary that he has the ability to prescribe drugs but wouldn't even be able to save his patient should something adverse occur. Shame on your dad!

Um...get a sense of humor, and don't be so literal. He absolutely can save a life. And has, many times. He did CPR on the man who had a heart attack; he's saved several people on restaurants from diabetic shock, etc. Actually, he performed a heimlich just a few weeks ago. And in his professional life, he saves more people than I can count by prescribing them medicine and looking after their well-being 24/7. (He's on call at his facility at all times.)

But if you were having a heart attack, would you rather have a cardiac surgeon or a psychiatrist rush to your side? Obviously he does so if he has to, but will defer to doctors who practice physical medicine.

[Anonymous]

NP here.

I am most comfortable being called by my first name in every situation although, to be honest, I likely won't notice what you choose to call me and won't be offended by whatever you choose.

If I need to flash my big fat PhD brain in your direction, you'll know it and respect my expertise no matter what you call me, so it really doesn't matter.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think the worst are the Reverend Doctor so-and-so's. Give me a break!

They have doctorates in Divinity. Most clergy use just their first name (our parish), or "the Rev. ___" the Dr. is just for formal titling and letterhead.

[Anonymous]

If it's a peer, I would have responded like this:

"My apologies, Dr. Smith. Please forgive my informality. And for future reference, I prefer to be addressed as Jerry the Great."

If it's your supervisor or anyone above you on the totem pole, then you obviously eliminate the last sentence of the response above.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think the worst are the Reverend Doctor so-and-so's. Give me a break!

They have doctorates in Divinity. Most clergy use just their first name (our parish), or "the Rev. ___" the Dr. is just for formal titling and letterhead.

Nifty! I just "earned" the same "degree" online.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If it's a peer, I would have responded like this:

"My apologies, Dr. Smith. Please forgive my informality. And for future reference, I prefer to be addressed as Jerry the Great."

If it's your supervisor or anyone above you on the totem pole, then you obviously eliminate the last sentence of the response above.

OP, your co-worker is a nut job.

Personally, I would address someone with a PhD as "doctor" only in an academic setting.