Most of the population would disagree, as to them the ‘real’ doctors are medical doctors not those who have a PhD in something non medical
That doesn't make them correct.
I don’t think the average person is too bothered which qualification is higher up the academic scale, they just think of doctors as people who diagnose and treat them when they’re ill. My friends with PhDs don’t call themselves ‘doctors’ or use the title outside of work.
That's fine and their choice.
And medical doctors don’t stop training when they qualify as doctors, they sit exam after exam and study for years to go from an F1 to a Consultant. And pay a fortune just to take each exam, even the junior ones on low salaries.
Many academics continue to research, write and study. Continuous professional development isn't exclusive to the medical profession.
I think it’s fine to use your Dr title if that’s what you prefer. Just unrealistic to expect someone who hasn’t been through the upper ranks of academia to think of you as a ‘real doctor’ or better qualified than a medical doctor.
Most people are capable of understanding that having a PhD is different than being a medical doctor. It's not a difficult concept to get your head around.
You can get a PhD in almost anything now, from Performing Arts to Creative Writing, if you pay the fees and study for long enough. There’s a lot of corruption and loopholes in academia as well, as oppose to medical school which is very regimented and hard to pass.
PhD's have always covered a range of subjects. That's nothing new and doesn't make them any easier to get. Paying fees doesn't guarantee you a qualification. It's not a product you buy - you still have to complete the work and to a specific standard.
All of higher education is subject to strict policies and procedures. This isn't unique to medical degrees. Medical schools sit within universities and are subject to the same checks and balances as all other courses. They aren't the only courses that have elements of professional practice either.
Do you have an example of these loopholes you describe? I'm sure the students I have failed in the past would have loved to have known what they were!!
Unless your PhD is from a top university and in a scientific field, other academics may not see it as having much weight academically.
Absolute rubbish.
Why science?? Is that the only valuable subject?
I agree it’s unfair, we work hard for PhDs, but the title of Dr is optional outside work.
It's optional for medical doctors outside of work too 🤷🏼♀️