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

I signed up as Mr because there was no Dr option at my surgery. And I’m not being Mrs-d, or Ms-D, or Miss-d. So if they must use a title I’ll have Mr. 😂

I confess to find it a little cringy in work when people insist on their phd title being used.

We do joke about it, a phd is not a requirement in my industry and frequently it is in a completely unrelated subject.

Someone who worked for me insisted that I I tried him in all meetings as dr smith. His phs phd was in Ancient Greek, and we worked in finance🤣. People sometimes assumed he was there to speak to a medical issue, and there was Often confusion about the agenda. Then awkwardness when he clarified he was my deputy.

There is nothing wrong it’s being proud of your achievement, but don’t get carried away. I have a masters degree, but never put the letters after my name, I always role my eyes when I see them on people’s email signature.

It's your title, use it and be proud.

I think it's important for women to use their Dr titles in everyday contexts to normalise the idea that Dr doesn't automatically mean a man. I would use it everywhere if I were you.

I registered at my GP as Miss, I am a medical doctor and nothing in my life has Dr as a title outside of work. I said something too medical at my first appointment and they changed it afterwards. I cringe every time it comes up on screen when I go in for an appointment!

Use it. We get loads using Dr. That's what you are, just not medical

Use it, a man wouldn't think twice about using his correct and hard-earned title.

OP, I will also warn you that not all electronic forms have "Doctor" as an option for women. So you may find yourself addressed as "Other Chocolatebutton"

I have a PhD (hence my username) and I did this. Nobody is confused, and nobody has asked me to provide medical treatment either. Congratulations!

Totally fine! I'm a medical doctor and wouldn't think poorly of this at all. I'd probably check what kind of doctor you are (to save me explaining e.g. the referrals process to a GP) but if you said PhD in whichever field I'd just be interested! I use Dr everywhere too to save on the "oh is it miss or mrs?" chat.

Massive congratulations, enjoy your new title as you've earned it!

I do think it's a bit cringey actually. I only use mine in an academic context and I do loathe it when students call me Miss VQI rather than Dr VQI (though I am also fine with just my first name). But I understand the massive joy of getting the damn title in the first place, so congratulations to you, Dr OP!

I find, sadly, that medical doctors tend to be far more attentive and communicative when I drop the fact I have a PhD.

Don't change it! How fantastic! You should be so proud of yourself. Call yourself Dr with pride and a spring in your step!!

Most people with a PhD only use the title in academic circles, where it has relevance.

In my little cul de sac 3 or 4 other neighbours have PhDs but never use that title except when they are writing angry letters about planning or such matters! :)

I'd forget about it, but most people who are not medical drs don't use it day to day- it can look a bit poncy.

@Ideasplease322

I confess to find it a little cringy in work when people insist on their phd title being used.

We do joke about it, a phd is not a requirement in my industry and frequently it is in a completely unrelated subject.

Someone who worked for me insisted that I I tried him in all meetings as dr smith. His phs phd was in Ancient Greek, and we worked in finance🤣. People sometimes assumed he was there to speak to a medical issue, and there was Often confusion about the agenda. Then awkwardness when he clarified he was my deputy.

There is nothing wrong it’s being proud of your achievement, but don’t get carried away. I have a masters degree, but never put the letters after my name, I always role my eyes when I see them on people’s email signature.

I think there’s a difference between using it in a situation where everyone has to tick a title, and using it in a situation where other people are using first names.

It's not cringey at all. I work for the NHS and don't assume that anyone with 'dr' is a medical doctor.

Use it! When DH's profession got given the courtesy title the change of title reduced the cost of his car insurance...

Congrats, I'd never use mine like that though. I did have it on a credit card once and when DH used it in a shop he was getting fawned over by the lady behind the till "is there anything else I can get you Dr SpicePlum!" That was funny

@Clockstop

I find, sadly, that medical doctors tend to be far more attentive and communicative when I drop the fact I have a PhD.

Yes me too, but because I'm a lawyer 🤔

I take the greatest delight in my well earned title! My spouse derives enormous guffaws of delight when he/I get to correct the sing song phone voices “is it Miss or Ms or Mrs?” People with “Its Dr”. 🤣

I'd love to be able to do that 😂

As others have said, there's a difference between ticking a box and demanding that a title be used and being arsey about it. It's the right box for you to tick - and congrats!

Your title is Dr. You did sonethibg that changed yoyr title from Ms or Mrs to doctor. Just the same as if you got married and changed from Ms to Mrs.

You are not a medical doctor. But your title has changed. Most people wont equate the title with the occupation. Medical doctors are highly unlikely to.

You earned this. Its HARD to get a PhD. Please dont overthink it. And congratulations.

You've a PhD. I bet your GP hasn't. You deffo shouldn't be embarrassed

If I had a PhD then I would totally use it! Congratulations!