When do you not address a doctor as Dr. So-And-so?

Answer 1

I would always prefer to call a medical doctor "Dr" until I'm invited not to. Professionally this is very rare, for good reason.

But you wouldn't call someone Dr So-and-so if they were your friend, and I have numerous Dr friends.

I'm an academic Dr myself, but am not very comfortable being called Dr except in formal settings where everyone is known by their academic titles. I usually ask people to call me by my first name from as early a stage as possible.

Answer 2

Some doctors choose not to use the title of Dr. socially. So, for example, if Dr. Sheila Kleinman married Dr. Roger Smith, they might receive invitations under those professional names, but they might also receive them as "Mr. and Mrs. Roger Smith," even though Sheila uses the title of Dr. Kleinman professionally.

Answer 3

It is difficult, but a doctor who has completed further studies within a particular field and is a consultant or a surgeon is adressed as a Mr or Mrs rather than doctor. If you are unsure of their title then I would refer to them as Sir or Mz rather than doctor.

I work in theatre and at times we address each other by our first names, however when speaking in front of patients then we refer to each other by our proper titles as this shows respect and is curteous and shows professionalism

Answer 4

When they're a friend or relative, or you know them some other way.
Or they ask you not to.
Most medical doctors like to be called Dr.; some other doctorates (PhD, PharmD, ND, etc.) do not insist on being called doctor.

With med doctors, here in the South we call them "Doctor Jane" or "Doctor Christy," but not their last name in a lot of cases to be less formal.

Answer 5

When they are not in their doctor role. For example, you see Dr. Ramalamadingdong out at a party, if he is close in age to you (by ten years) call him by his first name. If you are in a situation that you would call him Mr. then use doctor instead.

Answer 6

You ALWAYS address a Dr. as Dr.

Answer 7

In a professional setting it is a matter of respect to call them Dr. If you are friends and in an informal setting then you can call them by their first name or if they have already asked you to call them by their first name

Answer 8

When you are a very good friend, or after he has told you to use his name. In casual conversation with a stranger, using his title, whatever it may be, Governor, Doctor, Pastor, Captain...etc. is a sign of respect.

Answer 9

When they do one of two things:

You have been seeing them for years, and feel comfortable enough with them to call them by their first name

They say "Call me Nick." Instead of Dr. Blah blah

Answer 10

In professional settings, when they invite you not to.

In social situations where it has no relevance.

Also, it is worth noting that in academics, the title "Professor" is much more distinguished than a mere "Doctor."


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