To sign up at the surgery as ‘Dr’

[Chocolatebutton43]

I got my PhD two months ago, moved to a new place and signed up to a new doctor’s surgery and dental practice.

Filling in the forms, I got a bit carried away with my new title and ticked the ‘dr’ box! I’ve been doing it a lot lately for silly little things partly ‘cause I’m just happy to have finished and passed my degree and also because I relish that I am no longer defined by my marital status.

But, I now need to visit the surgery and I feel like an idiot. The form also had occupation so the doctor will know I’m not a medical doctor. Is he/she going to think I am a total prat for using Dr outside my work and at the doctor’s surgery of all places? Cringe

As long as you don’t leap out of your seat when the air crew announce ‘IS THERE A DOCTOR ON BOARD?’ over the tannoy, I think you’re alright.

@Poppyismyfavourite

* although I'd only use Dr where a title is normally used. So if someone calls me "Mary Smith" I wouldn't say "actually it's Dr Mary Smith", because that's really wanky, but if someone calls me "Mrs Smith" I'd say "Actually it's Dr Smith".

YY, exactly this.

When you take a step back and look at it, it is odd that you announce your academic qualifications every time you meet someone, if they aren’t relevant to the situation.

Why is it odd that someone who has earned the title Dr uses it? I find it much more strange that medics feel the need to announce their occupation to people when it is irrelevant. You don't get people introducing themselves as 'Plumber Jones', 'Teacher Smith', or 'Shop Assistant Bloggs'.

I am Dr Ghislaine at my GPs and it’s never been a problem. They’re usually quite interested to know about my field (or at least they say they are!).

You are actually more entitled to use it than a medical doctor!

I don't use my title, as I don't think it's particularly relevant and I'm not bothered about being a Miss in my 40's :)

Generally most medical doctors I've had appointments with have asked me what my profession is as I have in depth questions and make a note that I'm a biochemist on their files, and then launch into the full detail that I requested. I recently had IVF and my poor boyfriend was completely lost in every meeting!

I do have it on my driving license though, as I figured it might be useful to have some form of ID with Dr on it just in case. Mortgages and the like. It's not on my passport and I don't check into flights as a Dr.

It’s your title. There is no issue here.

For me the bigger issue has always been that academics earn the title doctor and medics are awarded it as an honoury title, but then are seen as the “real” doctors. It’s only when they get to consultant level that they are technically academic equivalents of their PhD or professional doctorate counterparts.

you earnt it. well done.

@Poppyismyfavourite

I've also started selecting "Mr" if the only options are miss/mrs/mr but I'm awkward...

I am too. Also I figure that none of them are right so I may as well choose the top one. 😂

I don’t understand why announcing your professional or academic achievements in your title is seen as at all weird. But announcing your marital status (so long as you’re female) is totally reasonable. It makes no sense.

I'm half way through my PhD and I always jokingly say that the main reason I'm doing it is to get out of the Miss/Ms/Mrs cycle. I'm only half joking. When (if!) I finally get there, I will definitely be using Dr everywhere and will unashamedly face down anyone who expects me to diagnose their skin condition.

I wouldn’t actually. It’s a bit pretentious especially when the surgery houses medical doctors. For most people they are the people who sprung to mind. Unless you are teaching in academia the title is not relevant.

I wouldn’t actually. It’s a bit pretentious especially when the surgery houses medical doctors. For most people they are the people who spring to mind when that title is used. Unless you are teaching in academia, the title is not relevant.

I can tell you now, if I'd worked hard enough for a PhD, I'd be using that title anywhere and everywhere I could - without a shadow of a doubt.

Well done :).

Congratulations 🎉 it's your title, use it!

For one short glorious time, I was Captain Needhelp101 on my credit card when Barclays made a mistake

Unless you are teaching in academia, the title is not relevant.

Great - I shall let my husband know that even though both of us have PhD's only mine is actually relevant.

I have done exactly the same for everything. I earned it.

Unless you are teaching in academia, the title is not relevant.

Why don't people say this to medical doctors? Why would a medical doctor use the title in the bank or for school admin when it's only relevant when they're working in the medical field?

Use it! When I use mine I get treated better

Unless you are teaching in academia, the title is not relevant.

Loads of people also research, both in academia and in para-academic contexts, though. You could be in industry and using your title because you're directly using your PhD, couldn't you?

@SueEllenMishke

Unless you are teaching in academia, the title is not relevant.

Great - I shall let my husband know that even though both of us have PhD's only mine is actually relevant.

My husband is an academic. So?

Those who become medical doctors are drawn from the brightest and the best pupil at school and go on to become the students who have the longest and most challenging course at university.
The public places then in high regard, generally, because it is acknowledged that they are worthy of their status.

@ThinkingIsAllowed

Use it! When I use mine I get treated better

Is that because they think you are a “real” doctor?

...pupils at school...

Actually, I believe vets have the longest course.

But, I dunno ... does it matter?

My husband is an academic. So?

Mine isn't ... but he has a PhD which is every bit as relevant as mine ( I am an academic)

Those who become medical doctors are drawn from the brightest and the best pupil at school and go on to become the students who have the longest and most challenging course at university.
The public places then in high regard, generally, because it is acknowledged that they are worthy of their status.

There is so much wrong with this statement.

Both me and my husband have degrees, masters and PhD's which means we've studied for far longer than those on a medical degree. Why aren't we worthy of using that title?

Both me and my husband have degrees, masters and PhD's which means we've studied for far longer than those on a medical degree. Why aren't we worthy of using that title?

I agree. I don't understand why medical doctors are held in higher regard than those with a PHD. Both are impressive and deserve to be recognised.