Should the "Doctor" title really be an issue?

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The number one arguement against DNPs using the title Doctor, especially in the clinical setting, is that it might confuse patients. Ignoring the fact the most DNPs clarify that they are not medical doctors, should this even be an issue?My thoughts:- Most patients already think they are seeing a doctor even if you tell them you are a NP or PA- Even if they think you are a MD (so long as you aren't intentionally trying to make them think that) what difference does it make? You might not be trained to the same standards but you are trained to do your job. It's not like you are a carpenter pretending to be a plumber.

That is why I said, when residents introduce themselves, I think they hardly clarify, "By the way, all I did was graduate from medical school, so while I have the title of Dr. Smith, the state won't allow me to practice independently on any level until I have completed a residency...I'm just one step up from a student."

I grew up in a medical family and never knew what a medical resident was until I actually started working in a hospital.

That is why I said, when residents introduce themselves, I think they hardly clarify, "By the way, all I did was graduate from medical school, so while I have the title of Dr. Smith, the state won't allow me to practice independently on any level until I have completed a residency...I'm just one step up from a student."

I grew up in a medical family and never knew what a medical resident was until I actually started working in a hospital.

First and foremost, medical residents are required to do more than just "graduate from medical school" before earning the right to use their doctor title on the floor. They are required to pass a minimum of three US Medical Licensing Examinations (two written exams and a clinical exam) as well as hold a medical degree before they enter residency. Furthermore, most states allow residents with one or two years of residency training who are US medical school graduates apply for full licensure.

Specializes in Anesthesia.
First and foremost, medical residents are required to do more than just "graduate from medical school" before earning the right to use their doctor title on the floor. They are required to pass a minimum of three US Medical Licensing Examinations (two written exams and a clinical exam) as well as hold a medical degree before they enter residency. Furthermore, most states allow residents with one or two years of residency training who are US medical school graduates apply for full licensure.

And still the most dangerous time to be admitted to a hospital is in the summer when the new residents start... So I guess all those exams really mean a lot.

Residents should still introduce themselves as residents even though they have earned their doctorate. Physicians have done more to willfully deceive the public than any other medical profession ever has.

Specializes in LTC, Agency, HHC.
It is funny it only really becomes an issue when nurses call themselves Doctor. I don't hear an uproar from physicians when chiropractors, psychologists, and/or podiatrists call themselves doctors but the moment a nurse introduces themselves as Dr. X the nurse it is suddenly a crisis of patient confusion and safety. A doctorate is an academic degree, and there are numerous types of doctorates that a person can earn. Any person that earns a doctorate may have a reasonable expectation to be called by Dr. "X". Being a non-physician and being called a doctor does nothing, but harm a select few physician egos.

Exactly!!And why is there not as much uproar when you go to the clinic to see your physician and the MA's are "nurses"? So they don't confuse anyone? I know for a fact, my physician's office has NO nurses employed there!

Specializes in LTC, Agency, HHC.
I'm a 3rd year medical student with a PhD in engineering (MD/PhD program). I NEVER introduce myself as Dr. ____ when I see patients because it would be confusing and dishonest since I am not a medical doctor. The ONLY people who should go by Dr. in a clinical setting have the following degrees: MD/DO, DDS/DMD, DPM, +/- OD. If you're at a vet hospital or clinic then a DVM can go by "doctor". There is a reason some states protect the use of the term "doctor" in a clinical setting: it's not to diminish the worth of degrees, it's to not confuse and mislead patients. For this reason, I've never heard a physical therapist or pharmacist go by "doctor" in a clinical setting (or in any setting) even though they have doctorates. DNPs shouldn't use the term "doctor" when introducing themselves to patients for the same reason I don't introduce myself as Dr. ____.

The term "nurse" is also legally protected. People can face serious charges by saying they are a nurse when they aren't.

Technically, we are ALL doctors, because the term "doctor" in Latin means "teacher." Sooo....there's another one for ya....should we call teachers "doctor"?

Specializes in Anesthesia, Pain, Emergency Medicine.

I introduce myself as Doctor xxx, a nurse anesthetist or Doctor xxxx, a nurse practitioner. I earned the title. I'm damn well going to use it.

AND, no the patients are not confused.

I don't understand the problem. If someone is going to see a pt and they announce themselves as doctor, then I see the problem. I introduce myself as a student registered nurse anesthetist to my PTs. My CRNAs introduce themselves as a nurse anesthetist. I have never heard them say nurse anesthetist with a MSN in anesthesia.

Yes, doctor is an earned title and it should be part of your title but I personally would not introduce myself as Dr to a pt.

Specializes in Anesthesia, Pain, Emergency Medicine.

SycamoreGuy,

We ARE trained to practice at the same standards. We are also JUDGED on the same standards.

The number one arguement against DNPs using the title Doctor, especially in the clinical setting, is that it might confuse patients. Ignoring the fact the most DNPs clarify that they are not medical doctors, should this even be an issue?My thoughts:- Most patients already think they are seeing a doctor even if you tell them you are a NP or PA- Even if they think you are a MD (so long as you aren't intentionally trying to make them think that) what difference does it make? You might not be trained to the same standards but you are trained to do your job. It's not like you are a carpenter pretending to be a plumber.
Specializes in critcal care, CRNA.
I introduce myself as Doctor xxx, a nurse anesthetist or Doctor xxxx, a nurse practitioner. I earned the title. I'm damn well going to use it.

AND, no the patients are not confused.

Even when I say student registered nurse anesthetist, some patients say "oh you are the anesthesiologist". They are confused at times, but I was called Dr when I was an ICU nurse. I just think getting hung up on titles is just a bit ridiculous at times. I have seen many nurses I have worked with use 6 titles behind their names and it looks ridiculous. I work with an anesthesiologist who introduces himself as such but tells the pt to call him by his first name.

So be proud, I wasn't saying not to but I can see where confusion may happen and if you don't then you are kidding yourself. Most of the general public probably does not know the difference between a nurse anesthetist and an anesthesiologist. Even my family asks how much more school I need to be a Dr? And they mean a physician. They don't understand how a nurse can be a doctor.

SycamoreGuy,

We ARE trained to practice at the same standards. We are also JUDGED on the same standards.

Overlapping standards not the same standards. But, yes when preforming in the functions that overlap both are held to the same standard.

Specializes in Anesthesia.
Overlapping standards not the same standards. But, yes when preforming in the functions that overlap both are held to the same standard.

What standard is different when a CRNA does anesthesia and when an anesthesiologist does anesthesia?

Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.

We are also JUDGED on the same standards.

We were just talking about this over lunch last week, it's interesting how that works. We have to meet the same clinical outcomes but are reimbursed less, interesting.

I always go by first name to my patients though I have a handful that insist on calling me "doctor" despite my corrections. Truth be told, my collaborating MD encourages them to call me that even though I don't like it or feel comfortable with it.

At times in the hospital it irks me that I will consult round on a patient I don't know with one of speciality residents and they introduce themselves as Dr Fancypants and I simply say my name and that I am the covering NP: they assume I am their nurse and the consult specialist is calling the shots, then get confused.

What standard is different when a CRNA does anesthesia and when an anesthesiologist does anesthesia?

I'm not real familiar with anesthetic practice but on a basic level a CRNA is providing advanced nursing care and a anesthesiologist is providing medical care. If its the case that nurse anesthetists and anesthesiologists practice overlap 100% then the distinction is only a legal one. How much do the two disaplines overlap?

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