Using "doctor" Title In Social Settings?

Discussion in 'Education & Personal Growth' started by Rihana, Jun 20, 2017.

  1. Rihana

    Rihana Moderator Staff Member IL Hall of Fame

    Messages:
    12,481
    Likes Received:
    30,224
    Trophy Points:
    540
    Gender:
    Female
    What do you think about the "Doctor" title being used in social settings? By an MD (Doctor of Medicine) or a PhD.

    They have put in lots of hard work and long years of study and deserve to use it wherever they want to? Or, it is more suitable to use in professional setting rather than social settings?
     
    Cheeniya likes this.
    Loading...

  2. ashneys

    ashneys Platinum IL'ite

    Messages:
    1,174
    Likes Received:
    2,465
    Trophy Points:
    283
    Gender:
    Female
    Personal experience, we have a lot of Doctor (medicine) friends and socially, they have never introduced themselves as dr. X. It's always their name.

    Usually if another doctor friend introduces them, we just ask "are you a doctor as well?" Or the person introducing says "he's so n so specialist"

    I have never heard of a PhD using the dr tag, themselves or others. It may just come up during a conversation, that's it.

    But I have always heard these tags (MD / PhD) in a professional setting.
     
    Rihana and IniyaaSri like this.
  3. Naari

    Naari Platinum IL'ite

    Messages:
    1,200
    Likes Received:
    3,805
    Trophy Points:
    290
    Gender:
    Female
    I think it is unnecessary to add titles reflecting educational achievements in social settings. If I were that person (Dr or PhD), I would not want that title being used in social settings for the simple reason that it brings in the educational intimidation before you interact with anyone and may prevent free one-on-one, equitable interactions, if that makes sense. If you are really smart and deserve respect, then it should be reflected from your behavior and interactions, you shouldn't have to tout your title before doing that. I also don't like to post my professional achievements / educational titles on FB by the same logic.
     
    Last edited: Jun 20, 2017
    Sandycandy, Rihana and IniyaaSri like this.
  4. iamsrihere

    iamsrihere Platinum IL'ite

    Messages:
    1,847
    Likes Received:
    1,956
    Trophy Points:
    283
    Gender:
    Female
    Iam not sure about other professions. But a person who did medicine can put the Dr title because its good if people(strangers) around him know that he is actually a doctor. Like in case of any emergencies, they can approach him for help.

    Unlike other professions, medicine is a field that serves every person in this world. Every person at any point in time, falls sick for which we approach them.And it is because of this, that people give special respect to doctors.

    But a person who uses the Dr. title just because he did Phd just feels like bragging. JMO...
     
    Mistt, blissofmylife and Rihana like this.
  5. Rihana

    Rihana Moderator Staff Member IL Hall of Fame

    Messages:
    12,481
    Likes Received:
    30,224
    Trophy Points:
    540
    Gender:
    Female
    I will say I find it a little odd if people use the title in social settings. But, I respect it as their preference. Pretty much like how women can have a preference for being addressed as Ms. or Mrs.

    So, in a setting where everyone else is introduced or introducing themselves by last name with a Mr. or Ms./Mrs., if someone chooses "Dr", so be it. If it is a "first name" situation, I silently roll my eyes... Adding Dr to one's own first name comes across as pretentious to me.
     
    Sandycandy likes this.
  6. Umanga

    Umanga Gold IL'ite

    Messages:
    498
    Likes Received:
    554
    Trophy Points:
    190
    Gender:
    Male
    Then you shall hate India. Indians love titles. Dr, Advocate, CA, Gen. Retd. Gen. Lt. Gen. It's a mess here.
     
    Sandycandy, blissofmylife and Rihana like this.
  7. iamsrihere

    iamsrihere Platinum IL'ite

    Messages:
    1,847
    Likes Received:
    1,956
    Trophy Points:
    283
    Gender:
    Female
    I haven't come across this situation. So honestly dont know what I will actually think if it is first name situation.
     
    Rihana likes this.
  8. Rihana

    Rihana Moderator Staff Member IL Hall of Fame

    Messages:
    12,481
    Likes Received:
    30,224
    Trophy Points:
    540
    Gender:
    Female
    Come on... I have fond memories of qualifications being listed on name plates hung near door, and on wedding invitation cards. : ) My favorite though was "B.A. LLB".
     
    Sandycandy, blissofmylife and Umanga like this.
  9. Umanga

    Umanga Gold IL'ite

    Messages:
    498
    Likes Received:
    554
    Trophy Points:
    190
    Gender:
    Male
    Hehe! :tearsofjoy:
     
  10. SunPa

    SunPa Platinum IL'ite

    Messages:
    1,041
    Likes Received:
    2,413
    Trophy Points:
    283
    Gender:
    Female
    Dr. with just first name is really awkward . Either with just surname or full name or just doctor is ok.

    I prefer to be addressed with a Ms., chalo I will even saattle with a Mrs. , but unfortunately some insist on calling me madumb :crybaby2:
     

Share This Page