Calling a Ph.D "Doctor"

[Anonymous]

I sent an email to a coworker and addressed her as "Larla." She wrote me a reply to my email (addressed me by my first name) and told me to address her as "Dr. Smith."

Is this crazy or normal? I don't know what her degree is in, but we work in an engineering field. I'm asking for future reference. I do work with a lot of people with doctorates and advanced degrees, but haven't ever had anyone rebuke me before when I called them by their first name. No one else goes solely by their last name at work.

[Anonymous]

That is crazy. You do not need to automatically address someone with a PhD as Doctor. Obviously she prefers it, but yeah, it's ridiculous.

[Anonymous]

is she your superior?

[Anonymous]

Bahaha. Of course I wouldn't call her "Dr"....actually, because of that request, I'd make a point to call her by her first name whenever possible.

[Anonymous]

someone posted this same issue last month. do a search in the archives. yes, people with PhDs have the right to be called doctor. but it's common to address colleagues by their first name, so you're not in the wrong.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:is she your superior?

No. I was emailing her in a professional capacity. She is older than me though and a higher salary, but maybe by 30k?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I sent an email to a coworker and addressed her as "Larla." She wrote me a reply to my email (addressed me by my first name) and told me to address her as "Dr. Smith."

Is this crazy or normal? I don't know what her degree is in, but we work in an engineering field. I'm asking for future reference. I do work with a lot of people with doctorates and advanced degrees, but haven't ever had anyone rebuke me before when I called them by their first name. No one else goes solely by their last name at work.

Well, you're kind of being an idiot here. If you are asking for a future reference, you'd be stupid to call her Larla just to spite her. If she asked to be addressed as Dr. Smith, you say, "Oh, sorry, Dr. Smith, I didn't mean to offend you. Can I use you as a reference for XYZ?" You wouldn't say, "oh, well, LARLA, we all call each other by our first names, so you're being a bit of a snob asking me to address you as "dr." In any event LARLA, can I use you for a reference for XYZ?

[Anonymous]

What entails respect? Earning potential or the ability to excel/specialize in a field/ area of interest ? Acquiring a Phd reqyuires perseverance and passion for knowledge. I think that deserves respect. Being hung up on titles is a whole another thing

[Anonymous]

Let her know that your proper moniker is "Supreme Potentate" and she should address you thusly with eyes directed toward the floor.

[Anonymous]

It's a little crazy, but mainly rude for your colleague to rebuke you like this. Also, people make fun of PhDs who insist on being called "Doctor".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What entails respect? Earning potential or the ability to excel/specialize in a field/ area of interest ? Acquiring a Phd reqyuires perseverance and passion for knowledge. I think that deserves respect. Being hung up on titles is a whole another thing

OP here. I'm a lawyer involved in litigation and am trying to get documents from her. I'm not saying a PhD is worthless by any stretch.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I sent an email to a coworker and addressed her as "Larla." She wrote me a reply to my email (addressed me by my first name) and told me to address her as "Dr. Smith."

Is this crazy or normal? I don't know what her degree is in, but we work in an engineering field. I'm asking for future reference. I do work with a lot of people with doctorates and advanced degrees, but haven't ever had anyone rebuke me before when I called them by their first name. No one else goes solely by their last name at work.

Well, you're kind of being an idiot here. If you are asking for a future reference, you'd be stupid to call her Larla just to spite her. If she asked to be addressed as Dr. Smith, you say, "Oh, sorry, Dr. Smith, I didn't mean to offend you. Can I use you as a reference for XYZ?" You wouldn't say, "oh, well, LARLA, we all call each other by our first names, so you're being a bit of a snob asking me to address you as "dr." In any event LARLA, can I use you for a reference for XYZ?

OP isn't.

Re-read and think.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What entails respect? Earning potential or the ability to excel/specialize in a field/ area of interest ? Acquiring a Phd reqyuires perseverance and passion for knowledge. I think that deserves respect. Being hung up on titles is a whole another thing

OP here. I'm a lawyer involved in litigation and am trying to get documents from her. I'm not saying a PhD is worthless by any stretch.

In that case, you've earned the same respect. Goose and gander and all.

[Anonymous]

Or just "Doc".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What entails respect? Earning potential or the ability to excel/specialize in a field/ area of interest ? Acquiring a Phd reqyuires perseverance and passion for knowledge. I think that deserves respect. Being hung up on titles is a whole another thing

OP here. I'm a lawyer involved in litigation and am trying to get documents from her. I'm not saying a PhD is worthless by any stretch.

In that case, you've earned the same respect. Goose and gander and all.

if you're feeling snarky, ask her to call you Esquire in your response. But in the real professional world...just let it go. Someone's delusions of grandeur are not a big deal.