Doctor (title)

Doctor is a title that originates from the Latin word of the same spelling and meaning. The word is originally an agentive noun of the Latin verb docēre ['dɔːkeːrɛ] 'to teach'. It has been used as an honored academic title for over a millennium in Europe, where it dates back to the rise of the first universities. This use spread to the Americas, former European colonies, and is now prevalent in most of the world. Contracted "Dr" or "Dr.", it is used as a designation for a person who has obtained a doctorate (e.g. PhD). In many parts of the world it is also used by medical practitioners, regardless of whether or not they hold a doctoral-level degree.

History

The use of the title Doctor for physicians and surgeons, whether they hold a doctoral degree or not, is a longstanding custom in many parts of the world. The title has been in use in the United States since the colonial period, and was a standard title for a medical practitioner to use, even before the formal establishment of medical schools. In the United Kingdom, the title Doctor is used by both medical and non-medical practitioners, and is not restricted to those who hold doctoral degrees.

Usage

In modern usage, the term Doctor is used as a courtesy title for practitioners of medicine, surgery, and dentistry, and for some other health professionals, such as physiotherapists, podiatrists, and optometrists. The title is also used by academics holding a doctorate in their field of study. In some countries, the title is used by all registered medical practitioners, regardless of whether they hold a doctoral degree or not.

See also

• Physician
• Surgeon
• Dentist
• Physiotherapist
• Podiatrist
• Optometrist
• Academic degree
• Doctorate

References

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  Catharine Bond Hill at graduation 2008

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  Ancient Greek Marble Consecration Relief to a Heroic Doctor, c. 50 BC to 50 AD

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  The Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Shri J.P. Nadda presenting the PhD degree to a student at the 20th Convocation Ceremony of NIMHANS, at Bengaluru on February 13, 2016