AIBU - use of ‘Dr’ title - is this normal?!

[Cheesecake45]

Just not sure if I need to get with the times or not - is it normal to go by the title ‘Dr’ simply for having a PhD, if you aren’t in the medical profession? I’m talking one of the easiest PhDs to get (comparatively speaking), nothing vaguely linked to medicine.

AIBU??
YES = this is totally normal get over yourself
NO = wouldn’t be caught dead calling myself a doctor unless I could be assistance in a medical emergency!

@WalkingonWheels it's just wankery as someone said earlier. They use it in a professional capacity which is absolutely appropriate but using it to achieve status at a restaurant or wherever is the mark of a tosser!

DS has a PhD. He earnt it as his viva. He uses it in his work email sign-off and on official documents. He doesn't expect anyone to call him Dr Hellebores, least of all his students. Everyone calls him Jack (obviously not his real name). His sister still calls him "poo poo head".

A DPhil confers the title Dr. Most medical doctors don't have a DPhil, theirs is an honorary title and I believe should only be used whilst the medical doctor practices. It should not be for life.

Like DS, I also work in academia. Everyone including the VC is on first name terms whether they are just a DPhil or have a Chair.

IMO academics have more right to use the title than medical doctors without a DPhil for whom it is honorary. Academics just aren't so hierarchically wanky expecting the support staff and mere students to call them Dr Superimportant whilst using everyone else's first names. In academia nowadays if they expected to be called Dr Bloggs they would be told to belt up and get over themselves. As indeed should most medical doctors, particularly when they expect more respect and courtesy afforded to them than they afford to their nurses and patients both of whom they should address formally if that is what they expect themselves.

I appreciate some medical doctors are also serious researchers and separately from their medical practices have obtained a DPhil and earnt the right to call themselves Dr until their dying day - or Professor if they go on to get a Chair should their research consistently prove to be world leading and inspirational.

PHD/doctorates are bloody hard work, you've earned every letter of the title 'Doctor'

It's only left out when it's even awarded as an honory degree. You can include the degree letters afterwards if you wish to indicate what branch of academics It's from.

The idea that the only type of degree worthy of carrying the title is medicine is indicative of the general malaise towards & undervaluing of academia (and look where that's got us!)

Are you actually joking? Estate agent is the one place I always use Dr because they are so hideously snobbish. They are always so rude and patronising to people trying to rent but the minute they find out you are "Dr" they are desperate to let the house to you. Reduce the deposit, allow pets even though no pets, bend over backwards basically.

You just say you're not a medical doctor.... it's not a difficult concept to understand.

Why is Dr pretentious but Mrs not? 🤷🏼‍♀️

Only qualified medical doctors should use the title. I mean I could append a "BA (Hons)" to my name if I wanted but I don't because it would be twatty. Outside of a very limited set of circumstances nobody would care. The real problem with non-medical doctors abusing the title is that it is very misleading. Maybe "Doctor" and "Dr." should be reserved for medical doctors and anyone else has to use their full title e.g. "Doctor of Classical Music Anne Other" instead of just "Dr. Ann Other"

My husband has a PhD and would never dream of calling himself doctor. In his environment they’re all “doctors “ so no one bothers as it’s pretentious.

What’s humble about worshipping (or bragging about) big houses or sneering at people that they’re ‘pretentious twats’ for studying (and ‘still dragging themselves up the ladder’)? Isn’t that just plain old snobbery? Where’s the levity you’re on about?

Sounds like it just bothers you tbh

It's a title, and there's nothing wrong, or "cringey" , with using your title. I use mine when I'm filling in forms etc. I also use it when some numbskull receptionist taking my details asks if I'm Miss or Mrs (I went by Ms from the age of about 18, and I find it ridiculous that in 2022 people don't realise it is a normal option).

Very funny how people are offended by this either way. I haven't worked in that field for years so think it's misleading to say I'm Dr so and so.

My PhD (in chemistry) is essential for my job. It would be considered extremely odd not to use “Dr” as a title. It’s completely normal to use your title if you work in STEM.

Adding BA Hons is appropriate in formal correspondence

Why on earth do you think that people using their title are using it to achieve status at places like restaurants? They're using it because it's their title 😂

I couldn't care less about status. It's my name, so I use it. I think it says so much more about the person who thinks using a title is pretentious, than the person using their own title.

Surgeons are Ms or Mr

This is hilarious - PhDs are 'abusing' the title now.

Good Lord.

They’re not really doctors though. No one thinks of PHD holders as doctors.

Actually they ARE proper doctors. Medical doctors are only given the title as an honorific.

And yes if you worked your arse of for three or more years on a fuck all stipend you have absolutely earned that title.

Yeah lol at an easy PhD. Says a lot about you that OP.

But qualified medical doctors aren't actually "doctors". They only have the right to use the title as a courtesy. The people who have the right to use the title are those who have completed a doctorate level of education. Why do you think they shouldn't use the title they have earned?

Ah ok. I didn't know that. Do other titles have that such as reverend? I will make sure I put it on mine next time I renew - be good to have upgrades!

Only if it's in someways relevant. Or you need to intimidate. Otherwise absolutely not.

They wouldn't just assume they are a medical doctor! They aren't stupid!

I don’t use Dr at work. We call people by their first names. I only use it when people insists. So doctors surgery, the dentists and real estate agents.

People who think it’s wankery needs to think hard why they are so quick to change their surnames and become Mrs on marriage. Is it because you are proud to tell everyone you are married?

I don’t know if plane tickets have titles? I can’t actually remember.

If it has, it would say Dr for me.

Yet most 'qualified medical doctors' don't hold a doctorate level qualification.
The title of Dr for a medical professional is an honorary title.
Just because some people don't understand that's the case, doesn't mean it's not true 🤷🏼‍♀️

It's completely normal! I'm actually slightly worried how as I use it cos I have a PhD and I didn't know some people thought it was cringey, I'm proud of my work and it's relevant to my field so it hadn't occurred to me not to use it!

As for people with PhDs 'abusing' the title.
What a ridiculous comment.
We've earned it.