Why do school principles insist on being called Doctor? - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Carleton Hughes · #16 02-23-2010, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cscmc1

Who is this addressed to? I didn't get the feeling that anyone confused THAT kind of Dr. with the PhD kind of Dr.

To all us semantically confused hooples who knead to be straightened out lest we wallow in titular ignorance, that's who.

aklim · #17 02-23-2010, 12:04 PM

Having seen some of what students have to do to earn them, why do we begrudge them if they are proud of their achievements?

Carleton Hughes · #18 02-23-2010, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aklim

Having seen some of what students have to do to earn them, why do we begrudge them if they are proud of their achievements?

Indeed. Many may well pay for the priviledge the rest of their lives.

cscmc1 · #19 02-23-2010, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aklim

Having seen some of what students have to do to earn them, why do we begrudge them if they are proud of their achievements?

I don't begrudge them the title one bit -- I still refer to my former profs (with PhD's) as "Dr." as I respect their achivements -- but introducing oneself as "Dr. so-and-so" at every turn is a bit self-indulgent, IMHO. My wife is a teacher and has had parents call/come in and introduce themselves as "Dr." In both cases, they were PhD's from the local university, not MD's. Why not say "Mikey's mom," or "Annie's dad" and your name? I suppose I could start introducing myself as "Sergeant." I'd feel a little silly doing so, though.

75Sv1 · #20 02-23-2010, 12:19 PM

Here we are on an MB board. This tittle stuff of 'Dr.', is actually European based. Over there or at least in germany, if you have a 'doctorate', then you have the tittle of 'Dr.'. A medical doctor is 'artzin' or such. When all else fails, call Nacy Pelosi. She seems to be up on what people out to call each other.
Tom

aklim · #21 02-23-2010, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cscmc1

I don't begrudge them the title one bit -- I still refer to my former profs (with PhD's) as "Dr." as I respect their achivements -- but introducing oneself as "Dr. so-and-so" at every turn is a bit self-indulgent, IMHO. My wife is a teacher and has had parents call/come in and introduce themselves as "Dr." In both cases, they were PhD's from the local university, not MD's. Why not say "Mikey's mom," or "Annie's dad" and your name? I suppose I could start introducing myself as "Sergeant." I'd feel a little silly doing so, though.

Could be just a habit from when they are at work. After I switched jobs I found it hard to say what the new company's name was. I kept answering the phone as "Dean IS" although I haven't worked for them for a few months. My wife also answers with her name even when I call out of habit. You'd think that knowing her sine 86 and married since 90 would buy me some sort of familiarity with a "Hi Honey". After all, I have a unique ring tone and there is caller ID so she knows who is calling her. Sometimes when she calls me she also introduces herself. Like I don't have caller Id and know her voice.

Graplr · #22 02-23-2010, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vwbuge

Has it ever occured to you the degree they earned is called a "Doctorate" Just because "Dr." is in front of the name doesn't associate them with medicine. "M.D." after the name is more to clue me in with medicinal practice.

Yes, I'm quite well aware not everyone that uses "Dr." in front of their name is a doctor of medicine. I was simply pointing out, and others have now as well, that doctors of sorts besides medicine seem to introduce themselves as doctor and want to let everyone know that they are a "doctor".

There are some medical doctors that are arrogant in this manner as well. But, it seems to me many non-medical doctors insist upon using Dr. in front of their name. That is my only point.

cscmc1 · #23 02-23-2010, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aklim

Could be just a habit from when they are at work. After I switched jobs I found it hard to say what the new company's name was. I kept answering the phone as "Dean IS" although I haven't worked for them for a few months. My wife also answers with her name even when I call out of habit. You'd think that knowing her sine 86 and married since 90 would buy me some sort of familiarity with a "Hi Honey". After all, I have a unique ring tone and there is caller ID so she knows who is calling her. Sometimes when she calls me she also introduces herself. Like I don't have caller Id and know her voice.

This is true. I have accidentally answered my phone "Sgt. xxx, this is a non-secure line" after duty hours on drill weekends before.

On occasion, I can see the necessity; there are those certain folks, though, that will pull the "Dr. card" with everyone, right down to the kid bagging groceries. We probably all know one.

#24 02-23-2010, 12:43 PM

Most of the (non-academic) PhDs that I know avoid using any title. I frequently refer to a couple of them as "doctor" just to bust their chops. It's pretty silly to call yourself doctor when half the people in the room are also PhDs.

One of my university professors started the semester by telling the class that anyone calling him doctor would have his appendix removed. In my experience, most really accomplished people do not need to use titles; most are on a first name basis with everyone.

SwampYankee · #25 02-23-2010, 12:48 PM

Pure power trip, a la Maestro Bob Cobb or Senator Boxer.

cscmc1 · #26 02-23-2010, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig

In my experience, most really accomplished people do not need to use titles; most are on a first name basis with everyone.

Couldn't agree more!

Carleton Hughes · #27 02-23-2010, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cscmc1

This is true. I have accidentally answered my phone "Sgt. xxx, this is a non-secure line" after duty hours on drill weekends before.

On occasion, I can see the necessity; there are those certain folks, though, that will pull the "Dr. card" with everyone, right down to the kid bagging groceries. We probably all know one.

Here's something for you. Several years ago my wife was diagnosed with Leukemia. Naturally we would receive many calls from oncologists, labs, insurance etc.
She was in a very vulnerable state.
During this time she also visited an Otolaryngologist which is where this gets interesting.

3 weeks after said E.N.T. visit my wife plays the answering machine....first message, "This is Dr. Stein, please call me immediately to discuss an urgent matter".
Now my wife never heard of this Stein fellow so she immediately assumes the worst and commences a massive anxiety attack and meltdown over what could be so urgent while I call the number, although I did my best to hide my fears for her.

Now get this *****, after trying to reach this bastard it turns out this "Dr" was a retired College biologist who claimed he did bill collecting on the side for the medical group the ear nose and throat Dr. belongs to. Turns out it was for a $50.00 copay my wife forgot due to her other worries.
I ask him by what right did he represent himself as a doctor and leave such a threatening message over a trifling sum? Bastard hems and haws, says he WAS a doctor of biology.
At this point I sez a cryptic "My counsel shall be in contact with you", and called the medical group to complain. Turns out THEY never heard of him, but a little investigating reveals his wife is a receptionist in the said ENT doc's office and this sleazebag was working for the Doc himself so the copay could go into his pocket, bizarre, trifling but true.
2 days later the scumbag was eating out of my hand, my lawyer really scared him ****less.

He settled mighty quick as we would have called the doctor and the medical group into the mix

My wife does love her Prius I'll say