after phd titles

How to Correctly Use the Titles Dr. & PhD With a Name

How to Reference a Person With a PhD

When someone has earned a Doctor of Philosophy, or Ph.D., degree, that person is subsequently referred to as “doctor” in formal speech. The same is true of a person who is a medical doctor, psychologist, dentist or veterinarian. In formal speech, that person should be referred to as “doctor.” However, the rules are different in written form when addressing someone who is called “doctor” in formal speech. In written form, the titles “Dr.” and “Ph.D.” are not interchangeable.

Determine the Type of Doctor

First, you should identify what type of doctor you are addressing. Doctors of medicine and psychology, doctors of dentistry and doctors of veterinary medicine must be addressed differently in comparison to academic doctors who have earned a Doctor of Philosophy doctoral degree. Be advised that there are different types of doctoral degrees. A Doctor of Philosophy degree is just one kind of doctoral degree. There’s also, for example, a Doctor of Education doctoral degree and a Doctor of Psychology doctoral degree. The titles associated with the various doctoral degrees are not interchangeable. Only a person who has earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree should be addressed as Ph.D.

Addressing a Doctor in Writing

Place the title of “Dr.” before the name of a person who is a doctor of medicine or psychology, doctor of dentistry, or doctor of veterinary medicine. For example Dr. George Ross. Always write the word “doctor” in its abbreviated form when it goes before the person’s name. Never write, for example, Doctor George Ross. Do not combine the title of “Dr.” with any other title even if the person could appropriately be addressed by a different title. Never write, for example, “Dr. George Ross, Ph.D.,” even if the person is a medical doctor who has also earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree. Pick one title. Do not use the “Dr.” title when referring to someone who is solely an academic doctor.

Put a comma followed by the title “Ph.D.” after the name of a person who has earned a Doctor of Philosophy doctoral degree. For example Stacey Childs, Ph.D. Do not combine the title of “Ph.D.” with any other title even if the person could appropriately be addressed by a different title. For instance, even if the person being addressed is a doctor of medicine who has also earned a Ph.D., never write, for example, Dr. Stacey Childs, Ph.D. Pick one title. Do not use the “Ph.D.” title when referring to someone who not earned a Doctor of Philosophy doctoral degree.

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Maya Austen began freelance writing in 2009. She has written for many online publications on a wide variety of topics ranging from physical fitness to amateur astronomy. She's also an author and e-book publisher. Austen has a Bachelor of Arts in communications from the New England Institute of Art and currently lives in Boston, Mass.

How to Use a Doctorate with Your Name

—- For more on the the use of Port-Nominal Abbreviations , see that page . —- For more on use of an Honorary Doctorate , see that page . How to Use a Doctorate with Your Name

Here are the forms to use when addressing a person addressed as Dr. See the discussion below “How to Use a Doctorate with Your Name 1-2-3-4-5” for more information on who typically does use Dr. as part of their name and who does not.

—- Envelope or address block on letter or email to their office/place of work: ——– (Full Name), (Post-nominal abbreviation for doctorate held). ——– ( Name of office/place of work if  appropriate) ——– (Address)

—- Social/Personal envelope: ——– Dr. (Full Name) ——– (Address)

—- Salutation – for both official & social: ——– Dear Dr. (Surname):  How to Use a Doctorate with Your Name

Robert Hickey author of “Honor & Respect”

How to Use a Doctorate with Your Name: 1-2-3-4-5

—- #1) Holders of doctorates who work in academia or research institutions are addressed as ‘Dr. (Name)’ professionally and socially in a salutation or conversation. Thus, a Ph.D. professor at a college, a Ph.D. in biology doing scientific research, and a Ph.D. principal at an elementary school all use Dr. (Name) and everybody thinks it is normal.

—- NOTE: At some universities it is traditional to address faculty holding of academic doctorates as ‘Mr. (Name)’ or ‘Professor (Name)’ and not to address as ‘Dr. (Name)’. For those outside the academic community it is acceptable to follow the insider’s rule or to address holders of doctorates as ‘Dr. (Name)’ in writing or oral address.

—- #2) Protestant clergy with doctorates are addressed as ‘Dr. (Name)’ in a salutation or conversation. I specify ‘Protestant’ here because not all clergy is. For example, neither priests – addressed in a salutation or conversation as Father [Name] – nor rabbis – addressed as Rabbi [Name] –  holding doctorates are ever addressed as Dr. [Name] . In a salutation or conversation they stick with Father[Name] and Rabbi [Name].

—- #3) Holders of doctorates who work outside academia or research don’t always prefer to be addressed as ‘Dr. (Name)’. in a salutation or conversation. —- —- A) In the USA ‘Dr.’ may be used depending on the work environment and/or when the degree isn’t pertinent to the conversation. E.g., a Ph.D. in finance working at a bank or a Ph.D. in American history working in software development are not likely to insist on being addressed as ‘ Dr. (Name)’ . But always ask for their preference. Use of, or omitting, the honorific can be a sensitive issue to some individuals! —- —- B) And, outside the U.S.A. everyone holding a doctorate will want to be addressed as ‘Dr. (Name)’ in every instance.

—- #4) In hospitals and healthcare environments historically there was a practice that only physicians (medical doctors, osteopaths, dentists, podiatrists, veterinarians, etc. ) are addressed as ‘Dr. (Name)’. This was explained to be out of consideration for the patients who want to know who ‘the doctors’ are and who are nurses and allied healthcare professionals.

—- That made for some unhappy professionals who earned doctorates in hospital administration, pharmacy, physical therapy and nursing, etc. – who felt they too were properly addressed as ‘Dr. (Name)’ . It’s my understanding that today all the holders of doctorates are addressed as Dr. (Name) and hospitals (etc.) have figured out other ways to define which doctor is a physician, which is a physical therapist and which is a nurse anesthetist.

—- #5) All that said, ultimately how one is addressed by others is up to the individual and usually everyone goes along. For example, if you and I meet a woman who identifies herself as ‘Monsignor Alice’ … I think it is unlikely she’s a Roman Catholic Monsignor. And, it’s unusual she has only one name, like Pink, Rhianna, Sting, Cher, or Madonna. But we should directly address her in conversation as ‘Monsignor Alice,’ it’s nice to meet you …’ because that’s what she says her name is. How to Use a Doctorate with Your Name

—- But, when she’s out of range, we will all be talking about her.

—- —- – Robert Hickey

Related Healthcare Links -V — — Chiropractor / Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine -V — — Dentist / Doctor of Dentistry -V — — Medical Doctor / Doctor of Medicine -V — — Military Physician / Armed Services -V — — Optometrist / Doctor of Optometry -V — — Osteopath / Doctor of Osteopathy -V — — Podiatrist / Doctor of Podiatry -V — — Veterinarian / Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

More Related Healthcare Links: -V — — Person holding a doctorate -V — — Pharmacist / Doctor of Pharmacy -V — — Psychologist -V — — Therapist

Related Links: —- —- —- Principal —- —- —- Headmaster —- —- —- President College University —- —- —- President of a School —- —- —- Chancellor —- —- —- Professor

When To Use Dr. (Name) and When To Use (Name), Ph.D.?

My daughter is receiving her Ph.D. and will be teaching. I would like to give her a name plate for her desk. Should it be ‘Dr. (Full Name)’ or ‘(Full Name), Ph.D. ‘? ——————- – AP

Dear AP,   How to Use a Doctorate with Your Name

‘(Full Name), Ph.D.’ is the official form of her name. You will use it on the envelope, or in the address block of a letter, when you write to her with regard to her professional pursuits. This is the form the university will use when she is listed among the faculty. It is used by the degree holder, when specifying the exact degree is pertinent – like on business cards or in a list of academics.

‘Dr. (Full Name)’ is the social form of her name. You will use it when you write her name on a personal letter’s envelope, e.g., one sent to her home. This is the form everyone will use on the envelope when they send her a birthday or holiday card. It is rarely used by the degree holder since one does not correctly give oneself an honorific. The degree holder – in their signature or when introducing him or herself – just uses their name … no ‘Dr.’ It’s up to the other person to add the ‘Dr.’ E.g., I just introduce myself as ‘Robert Hickey’ – never ‘Mr. Robert Hickey.’

Sometimes you will observe a physician in a healthcare setting introducing him or herself as ‘Dr. (Name)’ – but there it is for the patient’s benefit to know they are the physician in a field of people wearing seemingly identical white coats!

‘Dr. (Surname)’ is the conversational form of her name. Use it both officially and socially in a letter’s salutation as well as in oral conversation.

So, for an office name plate use the official form of her name – (Full Name), Ph.D.

– Robert Hickey

Doctors present the official form of their name to the public:  (Full Name) (Pertinent post-nominals for the service offered).   The social form of their name does not include their degree: Dr. (Full Name).   In both official and social salutations and conversations patients use Dr. (Name).

If My Doctorate is in Music, am I ‘Dr.’?

I hold a DMA, Doctorate in Music, from a Boston university and am a Church Music Director. Please could you advise me as to whether it is acceptable for the church where I work to list me in the service bulletins as: ‘Dr. (First name) + (Last name) ‘? —————- – CJ

Dear CJ: How to Use a Doctorate with your Name It is correct to list yourself in the bulletin using the professional form of your name … (First name) + (Last name), DMA.    It specifies your academic credential in your professional domain.

Among protestant denominations many address their clergy with a doctorate orally and in a salutation as  Dr. (Surname).   If your church is one of those, and it is your preference is to be Dr. (Surnhttps://formsofaddress.info/wp-admin/post.php?post=13983&action=edit#ame), tell everyone that it is your preference to be addressed Dr. (Surname).

Usually academics and researchers who go by Dr. (Surname) professionally – use Dr. (Surname)  socially. But ultimately whether a particular Ph.D. holder is ‘Dr. (Name)’ socially … especially outside of healthcare, academia or research … is at the preference of the bearer. Some insist, some don’t care, others say they answer to anything they are called. Ultimately your name belongs to you and if you want to be Dr. (Surname), then it’s your right to request everyone address you that way.

– Robert Hickey   How to Use a Doctorate with your Name

May I Call Myself Dr. (Name)  if my Degree Is Not Related to the Service I Offer?

I have a Ph.D. and license in counseling. Recently I sent out an announcement for a yoga class I will be teaching. The state of Colorado says I should not teach yoga as   “Dr. (Name)”. How can I convince them I can? ——– – Kevin S., Ph.D., L.P.C., C.M.T., I.K.Y.T.A. ,  Counseling, Yoga Therapy, Integrative Health & Healing

Dear Dr. Kevin, How to Use a Doctorate with your Name

Your Ph.D. is in a field not related to the service you are offering.

A couple of typical practices I observe in the USA come to mind:

Professionals use with their name the degrees pertinent to their profession service. The degrees and certifications are provided for the benefit of the public so the public can quickly evaluate your credentials.

Here’s what I mean by pertinent . A pastor who would be the Reverend (Full Name)  & Pastor (Name) at church on Sundays, would not use the Reverend (Full Name) & Pastor (Name)  when teaching English Monday through Friday, at the local high school. That he or she is the Reverend  might be mentioned in a complete biography or introduction. It just isn’t part of his/her name at school.

So, I can see if you are using ‘Dr. (Name)’ when offering a class in yoga, and your doctorate is not directly to the service you are offering, say a doctorate physical therapy or kinesthetics …. it would be confusing to me … and the state officials must think it is misleading to the public.

– Robert Hickey How to Use a Doctorate with Your Name

Should I Use Dr. or Ph.D. on an Invitation?

If a person holds a Ph.D., should his or her name be ‘Dr. (name)’ a wedding invitation? Or ‘( Name), Ph.D.’ ?  Is this true for the father of the bride?  The groom?  Is the rule for names on wedding invitations and wedding envelopes different that the guidelines for social correspondence? ————– – Beverly Russell, Winchester, Virginia

Dear Ms. Russell: Wedding invitations and their envelopes are social correspondence. Post-nominal abbreviations ( Ph.D. is a post nominal abbreviation) aren’t used on social correspondence:

—- —- DON’T use Ph.D.

—- —- DO use Dr. (Name)

Another question that typically comes up is whether to use Doctor or Dr. (spelled out or abbreviated) on the invitation or on the mailing envelope?

The rule is to spell out everything and not to use abbreviations unless space is an issue.

But, Mr., Mrs., Dr., and Ms. (for which there is no spelled-out version) are typically used on invitations and when addressing invitations in even the most formal circles. I think ‘Doctor (Name)’ looks oh-so-highly precious, but I know some wedding planners who would wrestle me to the mat on that one.

When Should You Use the Forms on this Page?

You can use these forms of address for any mode of communication: addressing a letter, invitation, card or Email. (If there are differences between the official and social forms of address, I will have mentioned the different forms.)  The form noted in the salutation is the same form you say when you say their name in conversation or when you greet them. ___ What I don’t cover on this site are  many things I do cover in my book: all the rules of forms of address, about names, international titles, precedence, complimentary closes, details on invitations, place cards, all sorts of introductions , etc. I hope you’ll get a copy of the book if you’d like the further detail.

Not Finding Your Answer?

—- #1)    At right  on desktops , at the bottom of every page on tablets and phones , is a list of all the offices, officials & topics covered on the site.

—- #2)   If you don’t see the official you seek included or your question answered send me an e-mail . I am pretty fast at sending a reply: usually the next day or so  (unless I am traveling.)   Note: I don’t have mailing or Email addresses for any of the officials and I don’t keep track of offices that exist only in history books.

—- #3)   If I think your question is of interest to others, Sometimes I post the question  – but always change all the specifics.

— Robert Hickey 

Recommended Resources:    The Protocol School of Washington (PSOW)  and  Protocol and Diplomacy International – Protocol Officers Association (PDI-POA)     For more information see the Protocol Resources page.

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Professional Title Etiquette: When to Use Your Dr. Title

Socially as well as professionally, medical doctors, dentists, and other professionals are addressed by, and introduced with, their titles. People who have earned a Ph.D. or any other academic, nonmedical doctoral degree have the choice of whether to use "Dr." both professionally and socially.  If, when meeting people with doctorates, you're unsure how to address them, "Dr." is always correct.  If they'd rather the title be dropped, they will let you know.

It's more common for women to use the title "Doctor" socially as well as professionally than in the past. When a married woman uses the title "Dr." (either medical or academic) socially, addressing social correspondence to the couple is a little trickier. If her husband is not a doctor, address letters to Dr. Sonia and Mr. Robert Harris. Her name comes first because her professional title "outranks" his social title. If her husband is also a doctor, the address is either The Drs. (Doctors) Harris or Drs. Sonia and Robert Harris (the order of the names doesn't matter).

The Reverend

In introductions and correspondence, many Protestant clergy are referred to as "The Reverend." While business correspondence is addressed to The Reverend James Norris, (D.D., if held), social correspondence is slightly different: The Reverend (Mr./Dr.) and Mrs. James Norris. In conversation, a clergyman or clergywoman is addressed as Dr./Mr./Mrs./Ms./Pastor/Rector/Reverend Norris.

Addressing a husband or wife who are both "Reverends" follows the same format as a husband and wife who are both doctors: The Reverends Norris or The Reverend Mrs./Ms. Patricia Norris and the Reverend Mr. James Norris. If either of the couple also has a doctorate degree, that person's name would go first: The Reverend Dr. James Norris and The Reverend Mrs./Ms. Patricia Norris.

Today "Esquire" is largely confined to business correspondence between attorneys and justices of the peace. An alternative is to write:

Mr. David Bowman

Attorney at Law

using two lines, no indent, and including the titles Mr. or Ms.

When "Esq." or "Esquire" is used, the name is never preceded by Mr., Ms., Mrs., or other titles such as Dr., and is written David Bowman, Esq. "Esquire" isn't used in introductions: "I'd like to introduce attorney David Bowman/Mr. David Bowman/David Bowman." It also isn't used for social correspondence, as when writing to a lawyer and his or her spouse or addressing a social invitation. Mr. and Mrs. David Bowman is the correct form.

Professional Designations

Professional designations such as CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or CLU (Certified Life Underwriter) are only used on business cards or business correspondence. They follow a person's name, and Mr. or Ms. isn't used: Martha Dawes, CPA; Phillip Olner, CLU. If a person has more than one designation, they're listed in the order received: Phillip Olner, CLU, CFP. Socially, use Mr., Ms., or Mrs. without the professional designation: Ms. Martha Dawes.

Other Titles

Every day we run into people who have an official title. The police officer at the desk is Sergeant Flynn; the head of the fire department is Chief Elmore; the club chef is Chef Rossi; the pilot on your plane is Captain Howe; and so forth. When on the job, such people are always addressed by their titles, just as they are when the matter at hand is related to their work. Socially, many don't use their titles, though they may. Sometimes a title sticks: A local judge, for example, who's been called by his title for a number of years, is usually addressed as "Judge" even after his retirement.

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How to Use Dr and PhD with a Name

In English, as in many other languages, professional titles have abbreviations. These are for writing convenience but people will sometimes annunciate them while speaking. Two of these, Dr and PhD, are very common references when talking about the specific name of a doctor.

Therefore, it means you’re referring to people and in this case, it’s a college-trained and licensed individual who practices things like medicine, psychology, science, mathematics or some other field of study. But, like with most other things in English grammar, there is a particular use of Dr and PhD.

To use “Dr” to indicate a doctor, most particularly in the fields of medicine and science, you will put it before a person’s name. You can indicate first and last name. But, if you want to be casual or informal, you can use Dr before only mentioning a first name.

Dr. Michael Yeadon

Dr. Sherri Tenpenny

Dr. Carrie is my physician.

There are some people who receive doctorate degrees, the highest education one can receive in any given subject. While they are doctors, they aren’t medical, scientific or psychological doctors. For instance, they could have a doctorate in things like politics, journalism, economics or some other such thing.

Dr. Shane Ammora, PhD

Mnemonic Device

Whenever you want to write or mention the name of someone who’s a doctor, you’ll either use Dr or PhD to indicate their title. But, Dr comes before and PhD will be after.

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What to do after getting your phd: 5 next steps, published by steve tippins on february 11, 2019 february 11, 2019.

Last Updated on: 5th June 2024, 03:08 am

What to do after finishing your PhD is a surprisingly common challenge for students who have recently graduated. So if you’re asking this question, you’re not alone.

After years of hard work and passing on enjoyable opportunities to get your writing done, you have finished your dissertation. This is quite an accomplishment. But what do you do now that you’ve finished?

This is something that few doctoral programs prepare you for. How do you take what you have learned and capitalize on it? How do you start your new career or use your PhD to take the next step in your existing one?

What to Do After Getting Your PhD

Based on my own experience and my experience coaching countless recent graduates, I’ve come up with an answer. Here is what to do after PhD is officially part of your title.

Step 1: Take a Breath

It may be tempting to rush right into the next thing. You finally have your PhD, now you get to use it! Apply for a thousand jobs, become a postdoctoral fellow, take a research trip to Indonesia with your favorite professor, launch a consulting firm, and publish a Nobel-Prize-worthy paper in an academic journal. All before breakfast.

Or not. In fact, my advice is to slow down. Not for too long–of course you have to take the next steps in your career. But once you start your career, it’s that much more difficult to take a break. Relax for a moment, and then take a good long deep breath. You are at the summit of one of the largest (proverbial) mountains you’ve ever climbed. Take a moment to appreciate the view. Then, get back to work.

Step 2: Set your Goals

After taking a break, the first thing you need to do is figure out what your goals are . You employed a great deal of discipline to get to this point. Use that skill to determine how you want to move forward. Your doctoral degree is an asset, so try to maximize the return that you get. Getting clear on your goals will determine your next steps and provide a map of what to do after completing your PhD.

When setting your career goals, it’s important to remember your life goals. Remember why you started this journey in the first place. How have you changed? How have your goals changed? What is most important in your life, and how will your next steps support this? Considering how your career fits into your life as a whole will help you make decisions about how to move forward.

Here are some of your options:

Do you want to publish? Think hard about this. You are now an expert on your topic, it would be great if you shared that expertise with the world. Think about your goal in publishing. Is your goal to see your name in print so that your mother can brag about her child being a published author? Do you want to spread the findings of your dissertation across the world to help humanity? Different goals will lead you in different publishing directions.

What a noble profession. Many people want to use their degree to help shape the future by teaching. If this is a path for you, think about the following questions: Do you want to teach full time or part time? Would you prefer to teach online or in a traditional classroom setting? Are you bound to one geographic location or are you willing to go anywhere? Do you want to prioritize teaching over research or vice-versa? Each choice offers various, but different, opportunities.

Outside of Academia

Are there non-academic alternatives available to you? Are you looking for a promotion at your current job? Do you want to speak at conferences? How about a new job? Maybe consulting is the path that you want to take. Your degree puts you in a very small group outside of academia; use it as best you can, remembering that you will be seen as the expert in most settings.

There are many things that you might want to do with your degree. Stop and take the time to determine your goals and then you can see how all of the hard work that you put in to get your degree can get you there. If you find yourself stuck, or want support realizing your full potential, career coaching can help.

Step 3: Prepare your Material

No matter what you choose to do after getting your PhD, you will have to put together a package of material that represents you. This is true whether you want to apply for academic jobs, work outside academia, or start your own business as a consultant. This is the first thing that most employers or potential clients will see of you, so make sure it represents the best of who you are.

You will need a resume and to be ready to answer all kinds of questions. It’s important to update your resume after finishing your PhD, adding relevant accomplishments and experience besides your new degree.

Prepare to answer common questions (for example, “Why did you get a PhD?” “Can you tell me about a situation where you worked well with others?” and “Can you tell me about a situation where you were able to work with someone who was difficult to work with?”).

Also, remember to highlight the unique strengths and skills that you have as a newly minted PhD. Having spent the past few years in the company of other people who either already have PhDs or are trying to get them, it’s easy to lose sight of your uniqueness. Remember the grit and persistence you’ve shown, the critical thinking skills you’ve had to cultivate, and the balanced ability to simultaneously take direction from committee members and forge your own unique research path.

Remember that you are a member of a small group of people with an exceptionally useful skill set, and a degree to prove it. You have proven your capacity to innovate, learn, and work with others. Take a look at Catherine Sorbara’s excellent article on this subject.

Inside of Academia

Work on creating a CV (curriculum vitae) that fits the standards of your discipline. You will probably need to submit documents that cover your teaching philosophy, a list of references, a research agenda, and copies of teaching evaluations, if available.

If you get a campus visit interview, you will need to prepare a presentation about your research and may be asked to teach a class or give a seminar to interested students. Do not take these two steps lightly, as the search committee will get feedback from everyone who participates in these sessions about your suitability for the position.

Find research interest connections at prospective universities. Look within the department you are applying for professors who share your research interests, but also look more widely — to the college and to other colleges within the university — for others doing related studies that may dovetail with your work. The potential for collaborative research and interdisciplinary studies will catch the attention of university administrators and may well give you an edge.

Seek advice. Make sure you are prepared for all of this and get well-acquainted with norms. Your professors and advisors are an excellent resource to help you prepare for this, as are my career coaching services .

Step 4: Search for a Job

When people ask what to do after PhD completion, they’re usually trying to skip ahead to this step–but it’s vital to take the time to set your goals and prepare your material before looking for a job . Now that you’ve done that, you can set your sights on your new (or improved) career. Many people use their PhD as a springboard to an exciting new career path. Here are some insights to help you do that.

The Chronicle of Higher Education is a great place to start. The Chronicle posts jobs daily online for most disciplines. You can also look at HigherEdJobs which tends to have jobs that may not make it to the chronicle.

Conferences within your discipline are a very good place to find out about jobs. Also, the professors within your program may be a good source of contacts who may know about jobs. Remember, most academic jobs start in August/September and postings may come out as much as 11 months before a job starts.

Some professions specifically recruit PhDs. If you are in the sciences this may be the case. Consultancy firms also seek PhDs. Outside of these areas the job search may include networking, sending out resumes, and using the services of recruiters. Your committee chair may be able to connect you with former students in your field who would be willing to make introductions. Most universities have career centers that offer assistance with networking and other job-seeking skills.

Step 5: Stay on Track

Periodically reevaluate your goals–both whether you’re meeting them and whether the goals themselves need to change. Perhaps you started out wanting to pursue research but have fallen in love with teaching. Or maybe you started off teaching but found that consulting is much more enjoyable. Whatever your goals are, they’re subject to change as you learn and grow.

However, if your goal was to teach but you find yourself getting bogged down in research projects due to the pressure to publish, take some time to reflect on how you can better achieve the goals that are most fulfilling to you. Would you prefer an instructor’s position? Or perhaps looking at universities that emphasize teaching over research would be your solution.

What to Do After PhD Completion: A Summary

Getting your PhD is a huge accomplishment. However, if you’re wondering what to do after your PhD is complete, you’re not alone. Once you finish your PhD, take a breath and allow some space in your life. Next, determine your goals and create a plan for how to proceed. Once you are clear on your goals, prepare your materials and apply for jobs. Finally, periodically re-evaluate your goals to see whether you’re meeting them and whether they’re still relevant.

Many recent graduates use a career coach to help them in this process. If you are interested in this kind of coaching, feel free to take a look at my services page or get in touch.

Steve Tippins

Steve Tippins, PhD, has thrived in academia for over thirty years. He continues to love teaching in addition to coaching recent PhD graduates as well as students writing their dissertations. Learn more about his dissertation coaching and career coaching services. Book a Free Consultation with Steve Tippins

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AP Style Academic Degrees

Home » AP Style » AP Style Academic Degrees

Sometimes it is necessary to establish the credentials of a subject in your text. When you need to do this, the AP Stylebook prefers you to write out the title of a degree in a phrase and to avoid using an abbreviation. For example,

• Correct: John Smith, who has a doctorate in astronomy, showed us constellations in the night sky.
• Wrong: John Smith, who has a Ph.D. in astronomy, showed us constellations in the night sky.

Bachelor Degree or Bachelor’s Degree?

AP Style states that you should use an apostrophe in bachelor’s degree and master’s degree. For example,

• Correct: I have two bachelor’s degrees and one master’s degree.
• Wrong: I have two bachelors degrees and one masters degree.
• Wrong: I have two bachelor degrees and one master degree.

An associate degree, however, does not use an apostrophe. For example,

• Correct: I received my associate degree before my bachelor’s.
• Wrong: I received my associate’s degree.

There is also no apostrophe in Bachelor of Arts, Master of Science, etc.

• Correct: I have a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics.
• Wrong: I have a Bachelor’s of Arts in Linguistics.

Abbreviation of AP Style Academic Degrees

Use such abbreviations as B.S., M.S., LL.D., J.D., and Ph.D. only when you need to identify many individuals by degree on first reference and doing so in the AP Style academic degrees preferred way would be cumbersome. You should use abbreviations like these only after full names, never after just a last name.

When an academic abbreviation is used after a full name, commas should set it off. For example,

• Charles Smith, Ph.D., will present tonight’s lecture.

You should never precede a name with a courtesy title for an academic degree and then also follow it with the abbreviation for the degree in the same reference. For example,

• Wrong: Dr. Smith, Ph.D., will present tonight’s lecture.
• Correct: Dr. Smith will present tonight’s lecture.
• Correct: Charles Smith, Ph.D., will present tonight’s lecture.

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From admission to dissertation. Tips on making the PhD journey happy, productive and successful

How To Write PhD? Is it ph d or phd

How do you write phd correctly after a name is it ph d or phd, here are the steps to write phd correctly:.

• Firstly, “P” must be in a capital case.
• Secondly, “h” is in small case with no space after “P”
• Thirdly, use period/full-stop after “h”
• Fourthly, Write “D” in capital case.
• Fifthly, keep Period after “D”
• Finally, the correct way to write is Ph.D .
• Or, It can be also written as PhD in a sentence.
• As per APA style, write Ph. D
• As per Chicago style, write PhD
• As per MLA style, write it as Ph. D.

For example this is how to write PhD title after your name: Dr.John Mathew, Ph.D. You can write PhD after name on your business cards, resumes, CV’s or identity cards or on nameplates etc. Some have confusion with the use of comma and full stops while writing PhD title after name. Here is my indepth review how to write out properly PhD.

Writing a PhD title after name

Use capital “p” and “d” in the word ph.d..

You must write ‘P’ as capital and ‘D’ as capital letters. Though there is no strict rule on how to use capital and small letters, many of them do this way. Both letters which I have just mentioned must be written in Capital because those letters are the heart of the abbreviationPh.D. There is no other way of writing. Even if you search the whole world and ask many people and read many books, this is how PhD title is written.  Sometimes there are possibilities that both letters are written in small letters by mistake. You need to correct instantly if such is the case. Otherwise, it looks awkward when someone looks at it or reads it.  Usually, mistaken words are clearly observed than that of rightly written ones.

Use small letter ‘h’ in the word Ph.D.

The letter ‘h’ is what written small letter in this 3 letter word is.  We write it in a small letter after name because this letter ‘h’ is in the middle of the word Ph.D.  Here also don’t write mistake by using capital letters. This is the reason why many people write a PhD title after the name wrongly. They are confused about where to use capital letters and were not to use small letters. I suggest you practice all the letters in one or other way.

Why do we write a PhD title after the name?

We write a PhD title after the name to know that one has completed his doctoral studies and it is a sign of knowledge and status.  We write a Ph.D. even for other purposes. For example, if someone is working in a university, it is mandatory that his qualification must be known to all the students and as well as the staff. This is why we write the Ph.D. title after the name. Not only in the university but also to the competent authorities who come for an inspection to the university must know the status of the faculty profiles.  So the title Ph.D. is written after every faculty name as a title.

Should we use bold letters

I say a big no. You cannot write bold and fashioned way while writing PhD title after your name. As you write you must make it look similar along with the name without any difference. There is no way that you must write the Ph.D. title in bold fonts. This way, it looks very odd for those who look. Instead of reading your name, they will read Ph.D. firstly. So there is a chance of not remembering your name. So never use bold fonts while writing PhD title after your name.

Should we use Italic Letters

Again it is a big no. Do be too creative while writing a Ph.D. after your name. The use of italics is a big mistake. Do not use such writing in italics. Every time you use italic, again it looks very different from the original name adjacent to it.

Is Ph.D. a title after your name?

Do you think it is a PhD title or just a status?  It is both status and title.  Though in my personal opinion it is not a title, many call it as a title. But if you ask me I would tell it is a status word that is symbolically represented a matter of qualification. This is only my personal opinion about the title of Ph.D. So if at all you have some doubts about how this title arose as a part of history, you must read a vast number of history books about the Ph.D. title. It all requires for you to understand that a Ph.D. is not a title finally and just a resemblance of qualification.

Is it good to put PhD after title in your identity cards?

No, you must not use the title Ph.D. after your name in any type of identity card. These cards are existing irrespective of your qualification. This is meant to identify you as you are. There is no necessity what you have achieved. There is no need for knowing your qualifications. So in any type of identity card which is issued by the government like passport and voter card etc, you cannot use such title after your name. But there is one exception that the identity card at university or college or at job area must be given with Ph.D. title. If you ever need expert help with writing your Doctoral level papers, go to WriteMyPaperHub and send your request to  write my PhD thesis for me .

Should we use the subject name when using a Ph.D. with the name?

This thought is quite awkward. But I must still mention this. There are some who use the subject name after the Ph.D. title along with the name. Like for example Dr. Luke, Ph.D. in Linguistics. Using this way is quite reasonable if there are some important debates or international meetups. Otherwise, I don’t suggest such type of writing after your name.

What happens if you don’t use a Ph.D. after your name?

If you do not use the Ph.D. title after your name, people around you won’t know that you are a doctoral research fellow. So it is very important to let them know it. You can only use this if at all there are some students around you or any known people. If there are unknown people around you, then there is no way that it is mandatory to use a Ph.D. after your name. Anyhow, I say that there is no danger of not using Ph.D. after your name.

Should comma be addded before or after PhD

Yes, a comma is a mandatory thing to be added after Ph.D. This is a rule. Otherwise, it is mixed combined with your original name. It will become part of your name. So comma is good after your name. I have already given the example above on how to put a comma after your name. But let me give here one more example as a matter of understanding.  Dr.Mohima, Ph.D. If you see the name, for example, there is a comma used after the name to separate Ph.D. from it. So try to put a comma. But never use another punctuation mark as such full stop or colon after your name. I have seen people using other punctuation marks like semicolon after name and then they write the title Ph.D. Some don’t use at all. All such things are mistakes. Use the only comma after your name always.

Can we write Dr instead of Ph.D. after the name?

Writing a doctor instead of a Ph.D. means a different thing. So you cannot use such way. As this is not the right format. ‘Dr’ is used at the beginning of the name as another title. But after the name, it must be a Ph.D. and not ‘Dr’

Should we write a Ph.D. at all after one’s name that is too long?

Sometimes it so happens that your name is too long to write Ph.D. after it. During this trouble, you must cut out some part of the name and type PhD as a title after your name. There is no other way to do it.  Usually, longs name are common in some countries like Germany and India. But in the USA we have shorter names. Whatever may be the length, you must try to use the most used name and eliminate the rest of the name. This way you can use the title Ph.D. comfortable after your name. Always try to use the same name. Don’t change the name or cut your name in different ways on different days. These will again a problem to your recognition.

Should we write phd or ph d on business card, welcome banners during functions?

On welcome banners and business cards, it is very important to mention the title Ph.D. This will be more serious if you do not use the Ph.D. title after the name. There are many people watching that public banner. If you do not write the title after the name, you are disrespecting the guest totally. So be aware of using the title ofPh.D. whenever you have public functions or welcome banners or during some important meetings.  This is a sign that others should treat the guest better than the other out there.

Should the font size of Ph.D. be the same as someone’s name?

The name and the title Ph.D. must be in the same size. There must not be unusual differences. Font sizes matter a lot. Don’t use wrong font size or awkward fonts while using your title Ph.D. after your name. The best font could be like Ariel, Lato, Times New Roman, etc. These fonts will look better as a Ph.D. title after your name. Initially, there is some confusion about using the right font. But once you learn the size usage, you are comfortable using them rightly. Even when you write manually, you can easily write with similar size throughout. This requires a good amount of practice to write the Ph.D. title after your name with good font limitations.

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Hello, My name is Syam, Asst. Professor of English and Mentor for Ph.D. students worldwide. I have worked years to give you these amazing tips to complete your Ph.D. successfully. Having put a lot of efforts means to make your Ph.D. journey easier. Thank you for visiting my Ph.D. blog.

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• How to Cite
• Language & Lit
• Rhyme & Rhythm
• The Rewrite
• Search Glass

How to Cite a Ph.D. Title at the End of a Name

According to the sixth edition of the "Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association" and the seventh edition of the "MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers," writers using either the APA or MLA documentation format should avoid using titles such as "Ph.D." by authors' names in the citations or references pages. However, these style guides, along with the 16th edition of "The Chicago Manual of Style" and AP style, do allow the use of such titles at the end of names in the text, when needed.

In Chicago and MLA style, a Ph.D. title is not included in the references, but it can be included in the text. In that case, the doctoral degree title at the end of a name appears after a comma but with no punctuation within the letters in the degree and both the "P" and the "D" should be capitalized.

For example: Steven Hammersmith, PhD.

AP style also does not cite the degree in the references, and it prefers a phrase instead of an abbreviation in the text, when possible.

For example: Jane Doe, who has a doctorate in chemistry.

When the preferred style is too cumbersome, such as when several people and their titles need to be identified, AP style requires a period between the two portions of the abbreviation: Ph.D.

The capitalization remains the same as in Chicago, however, as does the requirement for the comma between the name and the title.

APA is similar to AP style, with a period between the two portions of the abbreviation, and it also does not include the academic degree in the references.

Need help with a citation? Try our citation generator .

• Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (6th edition); American Psychological Association
• MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers (7th edition); Modern Language Association
• Purdue Online Writing Lab: General Format
• Purdue Online Writing Lab: MLA Works Cited Page: General Format
• The Chicago Manual of Style (16th edition); University of Chicago Press Staff
• The Chicago Manual of Style Online: Abbreviations

Kristie Sweet has been writing professionally since 1982, most recently publishing for various websites on topics like health and wellness, and education. She holds a Master of Arts in English from the University of Northern Colorado.

Should I put PhD after my name on my resume? And other academic resume tips!

Navigating the perplexities of resume building can be a daunting task, particularly when it comes to academic credentials and titles. 

Whether you’re proudly flaunting your PhD or still in the trenches of your master’s, this blog takes a deep dive into the art of effectively presenting your academic qualifications on your resume or CV.

The blog also offers insights on how to make your academic CV truly shine by leveraging professional platforms like LinkedIn, using the right keywords, and showcasing your achievements in a quantifiable way.

Ready to make your academic qualifications the star of your resume? Join us as we unravel these nuances of academic resume writing and more.

Should you put PhD credentials on my resume?

If you have earned a PhD, it is generally a good idea to include it on your resume.

I include my PhD after my name proudly in every resume that I have – academic and non-academic.

It has never hurt my application as far as I know and may actually help in more ways than one.

This credential can often set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your expertise in a particular field.

Some people think that you should only include your PhD if it is relevant to the job you are applying for. For instance, if you are applying for a research position, it is definitely worth highlighting your PhD as it shows you have the requisite research skills and expertise.

If, on the other hand, you are applying for a job in a completely separate field, your PhD may not be as relevant. However, this is something that I do not listen to.

I believe that including your PhD on your resume can help you to stand out, but you should also be prepared to discuss how your academic training has prepared you for the specific job you are applying for if it is not specifically related to the job you are applying for.

If you want to know more about using your PhD titles you can check out my other article:

• How to use the PhD title and all the little doctorate “rules”

How to list your degree on a resume? Masters, PhDs etc

Answering the age-old question of how to list your degree on a resume – be it a master’s, PhD, or other professional credentials – is no mean feat.

Start by putting your name at the top of your resume, and next to it, add relevant degrees or certifications. Think ‘John Doe, MBA’ or ‘Jane Doe, PhD.’

This was the CV that I used for many years:

This format not only highlights your achievements but also gives recruiters a snapshot of your academic credentials.

The education section of your resume is your platform to shine.

Here, list your degrees in reverse chronological order, including the name of the institution and graduation date.

If you’re an MBA holder, a CPA, or flaunting other professional credentials, this is where you make it known. Similarly, if you’re in academia, your CV, should include exhaustive details of your research, teaching experience, and any committee participation.

But what if you’re in transition and haven’t finished your degree? Well, you can still list it with the anticipated graduation date. For example, ‘John Doe, MFA Candidate (expected completion: Jan 2025).’

Remember, your resume is a marketing document.

It should suit the position you apply for and attract potential employers. So, personalize it. Highlight skills and experience relevant to the open position. If you have a doctorate degree or years of experience, ensure these accomplishments take center stage.

There’s no one-size-fits-all template. You’ll have to tweak it depending on the job and the industry.

So, it can take a fair bit of time to complete, but remember, it’ll be worth it in the end!

What Is an Academic CV? Format, style etc?

An academic CV, unlike a typical resume, is a comprehensive record of an individual’s academic journey and scholarly achievements, encompassing several pages due to its depth of detail.

This document becomes a testament to your educational background, research work, teaching experience, and scholarly contributions.

When you’ve earned a degree, such as a PhD, your academic CV doesn’t merely list this achievement.

Instead, it dives deeper, providing insights into:

• your dissertation or thesis,
• detailing your advisors and
• illuminating any honors or awards you received during your studies.

The academic CV also has a dedicated space for highlighting your research experience. It provides a detailed account of your research activities, including the methodologies you’ve used, and your research findings.

Here’s mine:

Your publications in scholarly journals and presentations at academic conferences are compiled, along with the respective dates. Additionally, the document showcases your research skills and other relevant capabilities that you’ve amassed over time.

Teaching experience, another crucial component of an academic CV, is presented in detail. From listing the classes you’ve taught to delineating your key teaching responsibilities or accomplishments, your role as an educator is thoroughly recorded.

If you’ve had the opportunity to serve on any academic committees or participate in professional organizations, these details are given their deserved space in your academic CV. They help to showcase your active engagement in the academic community.

Despite the formal and structured style that an academic CV typically follows, there’s room for personalization. You can adapt your CV’s style to emphasize your strengths, match your professional persona, and resonate with your academic ethos. A well-curated academic CV is therefore not just a list but a carefully crafted presentation of your academic career.

Academic CV cheat sheet:

• Start with a strong opening statement: Begin with a concise paragraph that summarizes your academic and professional profile. This section should clearly articulate who you are, what you’re currently doing, and what you aim to do in the future.
• Detail your academic qualifications: Always place your academic credentials at the top of your CV. Include your degrees, the institutions you attended, and the dates of your attendance.
• Showcase your research experience: Provide detailed information about your research activities. This could include your thesis or dissertation topic, the methodologies you used, and your research findings.
• Highlight your publications: If you have published any research papers or articles, include them in a separate section. Start with the most recent publications and work your way back.
• Include teaching experience: If you have any teaching experience, make sure to include it. Detail the courses you’ve taught and the level of students you’ve worked with.
• Mention your presentations and conference attendances : Academic conferences are a significant part of academic life, so ensure to include any you’ve attended or presented at.
• Include your grants and awards : If you’ve received any grants, scholarships, or awards, they should be included in your CV.
• Include professional affiliations : List any professional organizations you are part of and any roles you have held within these organizations.
• Add references : It’s important to include references, preferably from professors or professionals who can speak to your qualifications and skills.

Making your CV shine

Here are some other top tips for making the best academic CV that can really polish a great CV:

Wrapping up

As we conclude our journey through the maze of academic resumes and CVs, remember that these documents are more than just pieces of paper – they can be powerful tools that can open doors to incredible opportunities.

Whether you are a PhD holder, a master’s candidate, or a professional with a string of credentials, showcasing your academic journey effectively can make a significant difference in your career path.

From grappling with the question of whether or not to include your PhD after your name on your resume, to elaborating on the intricate details of an academic CV, we hope this blog has shed light on ways to make your qualifications shine.

The key takeaway is that there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

Your resume or CV should be as unique as you are, presenting not just a list of qualifications and experiences, but telling a story of your academic journey, achievements, and aspirations.

It’s all about highlighting your strengths, and aligning them with the job or industry you’re targeting. And while the process might be time-consuming and even daunting at times, remember that it’s an investment in your future.

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

Thank you for visiting Academia Insider.

We are here to help you navigate Academia as painlessly as possible. We are supported by our readers and by visiting you are helping us earn a small amount through ads and affiliate revenue - Thank you!

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Deciphering Degrees: An Introduction to Academic Titles

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At any institution of higher learning, there will be individuals with various types of degrees attached to their names. Professors and students alike all have different educational backgrounds, sometimes to the point where juggling all the different acronyms and titles can become confusing.

In this blog post, we’ll go over not only what goes into the various degrees you’ll encounter in higher education, but also provide advice on how to address people of various degrees, a skill you’ll need to have as you interact with individuals of all different education levels in high school, college, and beyond.

Why is it important to know about various degrees?

Degrees and titles are part of the language of higher education. Whether you are at a small liberal arts college or on campus at a larger university, you will hear them tossed around often. Understanding what exactly these degrees mean will not only help you feel more at home, but will also help you understand both your position as a student and others’.

What can degrees tell you?

The degree or title a person has, especially someone who is considered a professional or even an expert, can tell you a lot about their background and expertise. It says what kind of schooling and training they have had.

Furthermore, if the person is one of your professors, or someone teaching your class, it allows you to evaluate their background more carefully — you may be looking for a teacher who can speak to processes of going through higher education in their field. If you intend to get one or all of the degrees in that subject area eventually, it can help to know someone who can explain the process, as it may vary slightly in different fields (for example, some areas of study require extensive time in the lab, while others call for research abroad).

When Evaluating Professors: Terminal Degrees

When you are evaluating a professor on their degrees and titles, it is important to understand the concept of terminal degrees. In some fields, the highest university-given degree or professional degree available is not a doctoral degree. In other words, the “terminal” or end of the education track in that field may be a master’s degree. This phenomenon is emphasized more in the United States, however, and is not discussed as much overseas.

United States Degrees (Not Necessarily the Same in the Rest of the World)

Here, it should be noted that all of the degrees in this article refer to the standards in the United States only. Other countries may have different academic systems, degrees, and titles, that may or may not transfer to the United States’ system. If you plan on attending school abroad, you should look into the degrees of that country specifically, along with whether or not they are broadly recognized if you decide to pursue further studies in the United States.

What are the kinds of degrees one can have?

There are two broad categories that degrees can be broken into: graduate and undergraduate. Undergraduate degrees (associate and bachelor’s degrees) must be awarded before graduate study (master’s, doctoral, and professional degrees) begins, kind of like a prerequisite. Below, the specifics of each degree type are explained.

Associate Degree

An associate degree is awarded for about two years of academic study. These degrees are typically found in programs at community colleges. The abbreviations for this kind of degree depends greatly on the field of study. For example, AA stands for an Associate of Arts, AS stands for Associate of Science, and ABS stands for Associate of Business Science. You can usually identify an associate degree by the “A” at the beginning of the abbreviation.

Bachelor’s Degree

A bachelor’s degree is awarded for roughly four years of academic study, though it can range from three to seven years depending on the program and institution where it is completed. The bachelor’s degree is the standard degree level awarded by undergraduate colleges — it is not considered a graduate degree.

As with the associate degree, the full title of a bachelor’s degree and its abbreviation depend on the subject area in which the studies were conducted. Most common are the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and the Bachelor of Science (BS). Some schools with engineering programs also award the Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE). The BS can also be denoted another way: Sc.B. Additionally, at some schools you can get a BA in a science field — different schools have different options and requirements, so a BA does not rule out science as that person’s undergraduate field of study.

There are some other types of bachelor’s degrees as well, but they are rare in the United States and you will likely only encounter BA, BS, and occasionally BSE.

Master’s Degree

The master’s degree is a graduate degree for advanced, specialized study beyond the bachelor’s degree. Master’s degrees are usually awarded for one to three years of graduate study.

The two most common types of master’s degrees are the MA (Master of Arts) and the MS (Master of Science), but there are a wide range of specialized degrees in specific academic and profession fields. These include, but are not limited to MTS (Master of Theological Studies), MSW (Master of Social Work), MFA (Master of Fine Arts), MBA (Master of Business Administration), MPH (Master of Public Health), MPP (Master of Public Policy), and MDiv (Master of Divinity).

Like the bachelor’s degree, some master’s degrees are denoted in various ways. For example, the MS can also be written as Sc.M. Also, some professors may have a master’s degree as their highest degree. Regardless of their degrees and titles, you should always formally address them as “professor” if they have a post-secondary teaching role.

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Doctoral Degree (Academic)

The academic doctoral degree is a graduate degree awarded for extensive, highly specialized study and research. It usually takes five to ten years to complete, and often culminates in the completion of a major piece of research. This is called the doctoral dissertation, and is sometimes published as a book following graduation. The most common kind of doctoral degree is a PhD, but others exist, such as the DBA (Doctor of Business Administration).

Those who have received a doctoral degree are formally addressed as “doctor” or “professor.” The title used depends on their personal preference, but, in general, people with PhDs and similar doctoral degrees are less frequently referred to a “doctor” publicly. The title of doctor is more common for people with medical degrees (explained below). Your college-level classes may be taught by doctoral-degree candidates (another way to describe students in the doctoral program), and TAs are almost always graduate students as well.

Medical Degrees

Medical degrees are graduate-level degrees awarded for extensive, specific training in the medical profession. Doctors receive MDs (Doctor of Medicine), nurses receive MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) and other degrees (like the BSN, or Bachelor of Science in Nursing), dentists receive DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine), and veterinarians receives DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine). Furthermore, there are other degrees within more specialized fields.

You may also see these degrees among professors in science and health fields. There are practicing doctors (those who see patients), teaching doctors (those who teach students the art of medicine and how to see patients), and researching doctors (those who conduct research) — and some who are two or all three! When speaking to and about people with medical degrees, you should formally address doctors, dentists, and veterinarians as “doctor.”

Law Degrees

Most law students in the United States receive a JD (Juris Doctorate) for three years of legal study. Though this is technically a doctorate degree, it is more often regarded as a professional degree. Also, there is a higher research doctorate in law called the SJD (Doctor of Juridical Science).

People with a JD may write “JD” after their names. Those who actively work as attorneys may add “Esquire” or “Esq.” to their signatures, whether or not they have a JD. When talking to someone who teaches and has a law degree, you should always default to calling them “professor.”

Honorary Degrees

Honorary degrees, known as “Degree Honoris Causa,” are awarded by a college or university to a person that the college would like to specially honor. They are usually named as a doctoral degree, but are sometimes labeled a master’s degree — the exact titles vary because they do not reflect any actual level of study at that school.

Note that honorary degrees do not designate academic or professional study or qualification: You should not assume that a person with an honorary degree has studied what would actually be required to complete the degree. That said, the honorary degree is a sign of great respect and indicates that the person is highly respected by the college. In general, the recipient will not be referred to by the degree title by others — think of it more like an award that will connect them to that school but not change their status or actual qualifications.

There are many degrees, but if you understand them broadly — undergraduate and graduate, and the general types within each category (such as bachelor’s vs. associate’s, and academic doctoral versus medical) — you can get a general understanding of what kind of academic training a person has had.

When in doubt about how to address someone who teaches at your college or university, it is always best to default to “professor.” Those with medical degrees (often people found in the medical professions, like doctors, dentists, and vets) should usually be called “doctor.”

Don’t worry if it is confusing at first — this is all you need to know to start off, and as you make your way through college and academia, the divisions of degrees will become more clear. For now, read our CollegeVine guide Majors, Minors, and More: Which Degree Should You Pursue? to help you tackle your own college degree.

If you are looking to apply for your bachelor’s degree in science or a medical degree, check out our CollegeVine guides A Beginner’s Guide to 7-Year Med Programs and BS/MD Programs vs. Premed: Which One is Right for You?

Alternatively, if your interests are more in the arts, or you want a better understanding of dual-degree programs, read Dual Degree Music Programs: The Best of Both Worlds? , Liberal Arts vs. Professional Education: Which is Better? , and Are Combined Undergraduate/Graduate Programs Right for You?

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• v.190(21); 2018 May 28

Whom should we really call a “doctor”?

This is in response to the News article by Roger Collier. 1 These days many health professionals use the title “doctor.” Indeed, The Canadian Press Stylebook now decrees that the title of doctor should be reserved for physicians. Physicians, surgeons, dentists, chiropodists, university professors and, in some countries, pharmacists describe themselves as doctors. This raises the question — are they? To answer this question, one has to examine that title from both linguistic and historical standpoints.

The word doctor is derived from the Latin verb “docere,” meaning to teach, or a scholar. Only by special arrangement do any of the preceding professionals teach. Only university professors with a doctoral degree normally teach at a university. Historically speaking, the title doctor was invented in the Middle Ages to describe eminent scholars. These doctorates date back to the 1300s. Such people were accorded a lot of respect and prestige.

The PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, is the highest graduate degree awarded by our universities.

Health professionals receive undergraduate degrees in medicine. These are professional degrees, and not really doctorates. The MD degree is not a part of graduate faculties at North American universities.

It has now become fashionable to award so-called Doctor of Law degrees to undergraduate law school graduates in the form of a Juris Doctor or JD degree, including at the University of Windsor. These, too, are merely undergraduate degrees.

Because of the respect and prestige, medical schools, particularly in Scotland, started to address their graduates as doctors in the 17th century. The argument was that graduates of such schools obtain a bachelor’s degree before joining medical school. There are problems with such logic, namely, a degree past a bachelor’s degree could potentially be a master’s degree, but not a doctoral degree.

A doctoral degree (PhD) is a degree that one earns after a master’s degree. A PhD entitles a person to use the title doctor. These are the social and physical scientists who conduct and evaluate published research. A PhD degree is normally obtained after six to eight years of hard work past the bachelor’s degree.

When we are asked in a physician’s or a dentist’s office what kind of doctor we are, we respond, “the real one.” We are the ones who teach the others.

We hope that this contribution helps in clearing up the confusion in the community about the title doctor.

The Canadian Press should change its policy and stylebook to reflect these facts and this history.

This contribution should not be construed as an attack on any professional or group of professionals. The main purpose here is to educate the public.

Competing interests: None declared.

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What To Do After a PhD: Exciting Career Options for PhD Graduates

Choosing what to do after your PhD isn’t always easy, particularly when you’re not sure if you want to work in academia. However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of career opportunities that come with a PhD – and a good chance it’ll increase your earning potential.

Weve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about PhDs, covering course types, applications, funding and the benefits of further study.

Will a PhD help you get a job or earn a better salary? And what are your career prospects in and outside of academia?

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If you’re completing or applying for a PhD, it’s likely that at some point you’ll consider working in academia. Academia is the career path of researchers who work to advance teaching and research in institutes of education. While most academics are employed by universities, institutes could include government-funded experiments or sites of historical preservation, for example.

The main objective of academia is to produce original research. Though not all academics work in university, this page shall focus mainly on the university progression path.

Earning a PhD is a huge accomplishment that requires years of intense study and research. But once you’ve completed your doctoral degree, an important question arises – what’s next? Your PhD has equipped you with highly transferable skills, opening doors to diverse career opportunities. This article explores the many exciting options available for PhD graduates within and beyond academia.

Completing a PhD demonstrates your expertise in a specialized field through rigorous research and analysis. It also cultivates critical soft skills like project management communication, critical thinking and perseverance. With such versatile capabilities, there are diverse possibilities for stimulating post-PhD careers.

Common PhD graduate roles include teaching professionals, natural and social science professionals, research and development professionals, therapy professionals, and business/administrative professionals. But your options expand far beyond these traditional pathways. Whether you desire to stay in academia, transition to industry, or explore unconventional alternatives, this guide outlines promising directions to take your career after PhD graduation.

Academic Careers

For many, a PhD serves as preparation for an academic career centered on research and teaching. Academic environments allow you to utilize your subject-matter expertise and passion for discovery on a daily basis.

Postdoctoral Positions

After earning a PhD, one of the most common next steps is completing one or more postdoctoral appointments. Postdocs involve temporary research positions usually 1-3 years, under the guidance of senior academics. Postdocs build your skills, network, and publications to boost competitiveness for permanent faculty roles.

Research and Teaching Faculty

With postdoctoral experience, you can attain full-time academic positions like lecturer, professor, or researcher. Faculty spearhead courseloads, pursue grants, publish studies, mentor students, and more. Your PhD equips you to shape minds and advance knowledge within your discipline.

University Leadership

Further along your career, you may transition into academic administration as a dean, provost, or university president. These roles oversee university operations, formulate strategic plans, and represent the institution. Your PhD demonstrates the research background necessary to guide universities.

Research-Focused Careers

For those passionate about research numerous career paths allow you to apply your analytical acumen beyond academia. Your advanced methodological skills combined with deep subject-matter expertise make you an asset to research teams and think tanks.

Research and Development (R&D)

R&D drives innovation in various industries and companies by creating new technologies and products. Fields like engineering, computer science, life sciences, and more hire PhDs to lead complex R&D initiatives.

Government Research

Government entities like the CIA, Census Bureau, NIH, and Department of Defense house research divisions that benefit from PhDs’ expertise. Projects can cover wide-ranging topics from public health to national security.

Think Tanks

Think tanks are organizations that undertake in-depth research on policy issues to advise government, academia, businesses, and the public. PhDs often direct projects and author publications for think tanks.

Science and Health Careers

For PhDs in science, technology, engineering, math (STEM), and health fields, your advanced knowledge equips you for specialized technical roles improving society and lives.

Scientific Research and Consulting

PhDs enter private research firms analyzing chemicals, materials, agricultural products, and more to advance innovation. Consultants apply scientific expertise to advise companies on meeting lab standards, regulations, and safety.

Health Care

With a PhD in fields like microbiology, neuroscience, clinical psychology, and public health, you can take on vital health care roles. Options include epidemiology, lab management, hospital administration, and leading research/technical teams.

Business Careers

While less traditional, PhDs also thrive in business settings by leveraging their analytical abilities and mastery of complex concepts. Companies value PhDs for solving problems with critical thinking.

Data Science and Analytics

With expertise in statistical analysis and computational methods from your PhD research, data science roles allow you to uncover game-changing business insights from vast datasets.

Management Consulting

Strategy consulting firms like McKinsey, Bain, and BCG recruit PhDs to tackle multifaceted business challenges like operations optimization, growth strategy, and risk management.

Investment Banking and Finance

PhDs have the quantitative chops to excel in finance, whether analyzing economic trends, developing trading algorithms and risk models, or advising clients on investments as an advisor or portfolio manager.

Policy and Writing Careers

For PhDs in social sciences and humanities, your advanced writing and analytical skills open doors to careers shaping policy, public perception, and discussion through writing.

Policy Research and Analysis

Government entities hire PhDs to research and evaluate policies on topics like economics, education, transportation, and more to optimize effectiveness and outcomes.

Journalism and Publishing

PhDs are equipped for journalism with training in compelling writing and ability to explain complex issues to general audiences. Options include books, newspapers, magazines, websites, and more.

Also mentioned in research careers, think tanks utilize PhDs in social sciences and humanities for policy-focused writing and advising on domestic/foreign affairs, economics, education, and more.

Entrepreneurship

The critical thinking, perseverance, and passion cultivated during your PhD also prime you for entrepreneurship in wide-ranging fields. Your expertise and research skills give you an edge.

Academic Entrepreneurship

Commercialize your research through academic entrepreneurship. Options include starting spinoff companies, patenting/licensing inventions, or joining startups translating research into real-world tech and products.

Mission-Driven Ventures

Bring your PhD experience to mission-driven startups innovating in areas like health, environment, government services, and more. Lead teams applying technology to benefit society.

Start an independent consulting practice offering your specialized expertise to help companies solve complex problems in your field through strategic advising.

A PhD is incredibly versatile, preparing you for diverse, stimulating careers improving companies, societies, and lives. While academia is a common path, roles in research, science, business, policy, writing, entrepreneurship, and more allow you to apply your advanced expertise. Assess your skills, interests and values to determine the best direction for your post-PhD journey. With an open mind, you can land your dream career capitalizing on your PhD capabilities.

What is a fellowship?

Research fellowships are competitive and prestigious positions. Unlike postdocs, you will be funded to complete your own research project. Some positions will also guarantee a permanent academic role after completion. To successfully achieve a fellowship, you’ll need an interesting and viable research project, a history of academic excellence, and experience in writing successful funding or grant applications.

The other type is a teaching fellowship . These roles are not always for early career academics and will be offered to senior researchers so make sure you check the job description.

Non-academic PhD graduate jobs in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

If your PhD is in an Arts, Humanities or Social Science (AHSS) discipline, the skills you have to offer differ from STEM PhD holders.

Your aptitudes as a AHSS PhD graduate are likely to be suited for industries where communication skills are necessary. The ability to research and write about complex topics will be in-demand across any number of leading companies and sectors. Also, creative thinking will be highly valued by employers in strategic planning or industries such as marketing.

After a PhD what next? | 6 popular options

What is the next stage after PhD?

What comes after a PhD?

What happens after I get my PhD?

What can I do with a PhD?

Writing, lecturing and advocating a business all help market each other, and doing all three in tandem can help build a stable career with your Ph.D. Gaining a Ph.D. means you gain verified proof of your expertise on a subject. With this expertise, you can become a consultant in your field of study.

What can I do after getting a PhD?

Related: 38 Careers That Require a Doctoral Degree After getting a Ph.D., you have multiple options for what you can do next, including: Once you study and complete a Ph.D., you have expert knowledge in a focused portion of the field. As an expert, you can begin writing publications concerning the industry as an authority in the field.

How can I live a better life after a PhD?

If your goal is to live a better life after attaining your PhD in comparison to the one you had during your research, pick a career path that meets two requirements: Choose something you’re passionate about. Make sure the job is well-suited to your lifestyle. For example, consider three people with the same degree.

What can a postdoc do after a PhD?

A postdoc can be a crucial stepping stone to a successful career after completing a PhD. Find out what they are, what they involve and much more. From communication to time management, you will gain a large variety of transferable skills from completing a PhD. Learn what these are and how to use them in your CV. Life After a PhD: What Can You Do?

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Sean O’Malley Drops Timeline for UFC Return after Losing Title

Christopher de santiago | 14 hours ago.

"Suga" is taking his sweet time when it comes to fighting again.

Sean O'Malley fought three times in a little more than a year, most recently at Sphere against stylistic nightmare Merab Dvalishvili. Many had thought O'Malley would shine in the striking department, but Dvalishvili proved to be hard to hit and harder to defend takedowns from across five rounds in the UFC 306 headliner.

No longer the UFC Bantamweight Champion after a unanimous decision loss to Dvalishvili , O'Malley goes back to being a top contender with a handful of options for his return fight. Though, that's not to say O'Malley is looking to make a quick turnaround...

Top Contender Calls Out Sean O’Malley after Merab Dvalishvili Loss

"The Suga Show" Is Taking A Commercial Break

While others are gunning to take his place in the rankings, the 29-year-old is planning on taking a "full-on break" from competition, focusing on his health without an opponent in front of him.

O'Malley's hiatus, however, might be more than what you'd expect from one of the UFC's biggest active stars.

"I probably won’t fight for 9 months, 10 months, maybe a year," O'Malley said on his YouTube channel . "It’s going to be a while. People are gonna have to watch the UFC without the 'Suga Show' for a little bit."

"Then, maybe they'll realize, ah f***, we had it. It was fun..." O'Malley said of the fans missing his so-called 'Suga Era'.

A former champion and old foe of O'Malley's, Petr Yan had declared "rematch season is open, so see you soon," but the answer is not so soon with O'Malley taking a break over an extended period of time.

I never considered Sean a real champion because he was gifted decision against me in Abu Dhabi. Rematch season is open, so see you soon 👊🏼 — Petr “No Mercy” Yan (@PetrYanUFC) September 15, 2024

Another Champ Wants O'Malley Next, But Not Here To Waste Time

Where does that leave Henry Cejudo, someone else who has called for O'Malley on multiple occasions? Well, the former two-division champion recently made it clear that his sights are still very much on "Suga" at 135lbs - if not him, then no one else at all.

"Sean O'Methly got his a** kicked for five rounds and I can't wait to get him next," Cejudo said on Pound 4 Pound (h/t: Home of Fight ).

"If Sean O'Malley is willing and wants to fight this troll who's the true king of Arizona, then well then here I am. But if not, I'm making my way back down to a 125 pounds, man. Because I'm not gonna waste my time with the freaking c**k. But if he wants to do it, I would love to do it. Dana White, let's make that fight happen."

⚡️Henry Cejudo calls out Sean O’Malley and confirms if O’Malley doesn’t accept he’ll move down to 125 lbs. 🎥 @pound4poundshow ▫️ pic.twitter.com/xpaxJzRUUQ — Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) September 16, 2024

With O'Malley's timeline presumably different from his own, Cejudo's future looks like it's going to be in the flyweight division, the weight class in which he won gold from Demetrious "Mighty Mouse" Johnson in 2017 and then defended it the following year against bantamweight champ TJ Dillashaw, TKO'ing him in a mere 32 seconds.

Getting down to 125lbs won't be easy for the 37-year-old Cejudo, but it's nothing discipline and diet can't fix if O'Malley's words prove to be true.

Henry Cejudo Teases Major Career Move, Potential Fight with Former UFC Champion

If O'Malley decides against a long layoff, however... "Triple C will murder [O'Malley] even worse than what Merab did to him," Cejudo added.

Read More UFC & MMA News

•  How to Watch Anthony Joshua vs. Daniel Dubois, Stream, Time & Undercard

•  Dana White's Contender Series Week 6 Preview & Full Betting Odds

•  Fans Torch Sean O’Malley's Coach for Corner Advice During UFC 306

•  Jon Jones Confirms UFC Return ‘More than Likely’ Retirement Fight

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Luke Littler clinches Players Championship 20 title in last-leg decider against Stephen Bunting in Wigan

Luke Littler won in Wigan as he claimed the Players Championship 20 crown after winning the World Series of Darts Finals title in Amsterdam on Sunday; darts is back on Sky Sports with the World Grand Prix at the Mattioli Arena in Leicester from October 7-13

Tuesday 17 September 2024 20:50, UK

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Luke Littler extended his winning run to 12 matches after defying a brilliant fightback from Stephen Bunting to triumph in Tuesday's Players Championship 20 final in Wigan.

Littler was imperious in storming to victory at the World Series of Darts Finals on Sunday, and he extended his sensational winning run with a dramatic 8-7 victory against Bunting at the Robin Park Tennis Centre.

The 17-year-old was rarely troubled in progressing to Tuesday's showpiece, but Bunting provided admirable resistance, recovering from 5-1 down to force a last-leg decider.

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However, Littler held his nerve in a breathless finale, firing in a 13-dart hold to clinch his third Players Championship title of 2024, and a second PDC crown in the space of 48 hours.

✅ 9x PDC titles in 2024 ✅ 3x Players Championship titles ✅ 12 consecutive wins Luke Littler continues his astonishing form to add to his title haul in Wigan! 👏 pic.twitter.com/fMJ4D4y20G — PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) September 17, 2024

"I think I've played really well today," reflected Littler, fresh from capturing his ninth PDC title of the season.

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"I came here with lots of confidence after winning in Amsterdam. I couldn't quite believe how well I played there.

"I've really enjoyed myself today. It's probably the most fun I've had on the ProTour since the first one I won, and I cannot wait for tomorrow now."

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LITTLER EXTENDS WINNING RUN! 🏆 Another day, another title for Luke Littler! 👏 The Warrington wonderkid defies a brilliant fightback from Stephen Bunting to triumph at #PC20 , racing into a 5-1 lead before prevailing in a last-leg decider! 📺 https://t.co/YyBPPwoMK8 pic.twitter.com/D8A6GPBsNx — PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) September 17, 2024

Littler dominated a star-studded 128-player field to claim glory in the North West, kicking off his campaign with victories over Adam Gawlas, Jacques Labre and Andrew Gilding.

He averaged 104 to dispatch Kevin Doets 6-2 in the last 16, and defeated world No 1 Luke Humphries by the same scoreline in the quarter-finals, as both men averaged 101 in a quality contest.

Littler backed this up with a 7-2 demolition of top seed Dave Chisnall in the last four, and he claimed the scalp of another St Helens star in Bunting, to walk away with the title in Wigan.

Bunting, a runner-up to Raymond van Barneveld in Players Championship Five, saw off Chris Dobey and Gerwyn Price in the latter stages of Tuesday's action, though he had to settle for the £10,000 runner-up prize.

Tuesday's action also featured two nine-dart finishes, as Andrew Gilding and Vincent van der Voort became the latest stars to achieve perfection on the PDC ProTour in 2024.

Van der Voort nailed the nine in his first-round victory over Mensur Suljovic, before Gilding produced a perfect leg of his own against Wessel Nijman, averaging 114 to run out an emphatic 6-1 winner in round two.

What's next on Sky Sports?

The 2024 BoyleSports World Grand Prix is next on the Sky Sports darting calendar.

The annual £600,000 tournament will take place at the Mattioli Arena in Leicester from October 7-13, as 32 of the world's top stars compete for the coveted title which was won by Luke Humphries in 2023.

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Humphries celebrated his maiden TV ranking title with victory over Gerwyn Price in last year's tournament, and the world No 1 will return to defend his title later this year.

Six-time champion Michael van Gerwen is also set to star, with teenage superstar Luke Littler poised to make his double-start debut in the East Midlands.

In a change to last year's format, Saturday's semi-finals on October 12 will be contested over the best of nine sets, with the final set to be played over the best of 11 sets on Sunday October 13.

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Where does the title Dr come from for PhD?

I have always wondered why a person is given the title of Dr after completing a PhD in a non-medical field. This is especially because of the confusion over the medical title of Dr. Why hasn't a better distinction been formulated by now?

• 20 The D in Ph.D. is an abbreviation for "doctor", just as it is in M.D., J.D., Dr.rer.nat., D.Th., D.Min., D.O., D.D.S., Ed.D., and S.T.D. ( Sacrae Theologiae Doctor ). –  JeffE Commented May 4, 2013 at 19:27
• 7 @JeffE I never knew having an STD could be a good thing. –  Marc Claesen Commented Aug 9, 2014 at 15:10
• 11 @MarcClaesen Who said a Sacrae Theologiae Doctor is a good thing? –  The Almighty Bob Commented Aug 9, 2014 at 15:45
• 1 @TheAlmightyBob That's the most brilliant question I've seen for a long time! Well worth an exception to the meta rule "Don't ask new questions as comments."! –  Volker Siegel Commented Aug 27, 2016 at 9:49

2 Answers 2

It's actually exactly the opposite: "doctor" is Latin for "teacher" and the title originally had no special connection with medicine. Instead, a doctor was anyone qualified to teach at a university (in medieval Europe teaching qualifications were typically determined by the church). The concept of a formal PhD degree came much later, but it continued this earlier terminology.

The confusion in English is irritating, but not problematic enough to make universities give up a 1000+ year old tradition. It's not clear why this situation arose. One natural explanation is that if you want to emphasize your medical skills, you can do it by explaining that you are not just a healer, but in fact someone qualified to teach other people the healing arts. In other words, you're a doctor of medicine in the academic sense of the word "doctor". Until very recently universities were fairly exotic, and most people didn't talk about academic doctors very much, so the medical usage was much more salient for the general public and for most people it became the standard meaning of "doctor".

Of course this difficulty with this story is that it doesn't explain why, for example, German does not confuse the terms the same way English does. Maybe it's just chance, or maybe there's some cultural reason.

In any case, though, academia had the title first and is reluctant to change it.

• 9 It's worth noting that, in the UK (and presumably other jurisdictions), a physician does not typically have a doctorate; rather than the degree of Doctor of Medicine (MD, DM, DMed), the standard medical degree is Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (BMBCh or similar). 'Doctor' is then purely a traditional courtesy (and even more confusingly, surgeons traditionally decline to use the title). In the UK a Doctor of Medicine degree is a higher doctorate awarded for substantial research. –  dbmag9 Commented May 12, 2013 at 20:43
• 1 In which way do you think is the situation different in German? –  Carsten S Commented Aug 27, 2016 at 21:03
• 3 @CarstenS In German, the words 'Artz' and 'Doktor' are different. In English the equivalents might be 'physician' and (academic) 'doctor', but the former is rather rarely used, particularly in the US, with the two reducing to (medical) 'doctor' versus (academic) 'doctor'. –  E.P. Commented Aug 28, 2016 at 0:12
• 2 It's also worth noting that the Latin root docere is alive and well in many languages (e.g. docent , docente , docencia , doctrine , docile , and so on). –  E.P. Commented Aug 28, 2016 at 0:23
• 1 @E.P. In German the words "Doktor" and "Arzt" are used pretty interchangably for "physician", so the same confusion arises there. –  user84201 Commented Feb 11, 2020 at 22:24

It seems that the real question should be "why the title of doctor seems to be now more associated to medical sciences than other fields".

Doctor comes from doctum, that is a derivative of docere, Latin verb for "teaching". The first doctors in the very first universities studied in four faculties: arts, medical sciences, law and theology. We still use PhD (Philosophiae doctor) but the meaning of the word philosophy has changed over the centuries. During the renaissance, the word philosophy had a broader meaning since philosophy at that time encompasses the whole spectrum of science.

In some countries (France for instance), it is forbidden to use the title of Dr for those who are not MD. In this case, Dr is a degree but not a title. Why do we not use MD everywhere instead of Dr (which seems to be the way to suppress the ambiguity while respecting history)? I don't know.

• 1 Interesting history lesson. Shouldn't that be "The first doctors..." (plural)? I don't quite follow the logic here "In some countries (France for instance), it is forbidden to use the title of Dr for those who are not MD. In this case, Dr is a degree but not a title." –  Faheem Mitha Commented May 6, 2013 at 19:19
• 2 Sylvain: It seems that in France, the usage of the title is not reserved to MD, following a decision of la Cour de Cassation , and a recent law . That said, in practice, I agree that only MD use the title. –  user102 Commented Aug 9, 2014 at 19:08

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