Why do some people say it is unethical for residents to call themselves doctors?

Question

Especially those who just graduated medical school. Doesn't the medical degree grant them the title "doctor"?

Answer 1

Because some people are idiots.
A resident is employed by a hospital - as - guess what ? A doctor. Not a nurse, not a janitor, not a specialist neurosurgeon, but a doctor. Why ? Because he / she is one.

Answer 2

A medical degree does indeed qualify a person to be called doctor, just as a PhD qualifies a person to be called doctor.

The qualification to treat patients for medical care is granted by each State through licensing. Medical residents who have just graduated will not have a medical license (most states will not grant a license without one year of postgraduate medical education), but these residents can practice medicine under the jurisdiction of the medical institution where they train. After residents obtain a medical license, they might "moonlight" at other facilities if allowed by their institution.

Medical students, however, should NEVER call themselves doctor - student doctor, maybe.

Answer 3

Doctor is a title of jurisdiction. A person is your doctor after you have been registered and insured under his or her care.
A random person may or may not deliver valid medical help, but the chance is too great if you are uninsured to hear their counsel.
I'm sorry that our society is so governed by insurance and red tape, but that's the way it has to be as long as we are endangered with litigation at every turn, seemingly.

Answer 4

I've never heard anyone say it was unethical...

I suppose people might consider residency as part of the education process, so only once they finish that have they really officially "graduated" and become doctors.

Answer 5

Residents and interns ARE doctors. They have completed their degree. Medical STUDENTS have not yet completed their degree.

Answer 6

I don't know, we have to accept the liability for the patient's care, yet we don't deserve the title?

Answer 7

It shows their arrogance and disregard for the truth they are students not doctors they havent earned it yet and they are behaving like hot shits.;