by Amy
(Pennsylvania)
Anyone who puts in the work to earn a doctorate degree deserves to use the title doctor. Yes, I call my physician “doctor.” I also call my dentist “doctor” and my college professors were addressed as “doctor.” Psychologists, school superintendents, reverends, anyone who holds a doctorate in any subject is addressed as doctor. Why should a hard-working, advanced-practice nurse not be afforded this honor? No one is suggesting that nurses tack MD to the end of their name. I don’t think it’s misleading if someone’s nametag reads Dr. Jane Doe, DNP. If a patient asks what the DNP or DNAP stands for, then tell them. It’s a wonderful opportunity to educate the public.
Comments for It’s a title for a degree, not a job description.
Apr 28, 2012
Agree 100% NEW
by: Anonymous
I agree 100% I refer to my chiropractor as ‘doctor’ as well, but I am fully aware he is not a Medical Doctor. I also know of a Neuro-Psych ‘doctor’ who goes by Dr. so and so and I honestly believe many people have no clue that she is not in fact a MD. This is where educating the public comes in. As more health care professions start requiring doctorate education it only seems natural that the public is going to begin to understand that there are many variations of the title other than MD.