Yeah, I have the utmost respect and admiration for anyone who has a doctorate degree, especially those who have a PhD. I don't recall any of my college professors making a big deal about their title or how they should be addressed. Calling them doctor came naturally just as calling teachers as Mr. or Ms. was natural for me as it was for so many other high school students. So when you had a teacher who was a Dr. and insisted that her students call her as such, you can imagine it took some time to get used to that.

I think if I had a PhD, I'd probably have some fun with the title it comes with (like telling people you don't have to address me as Dr. frosty, just call me frosty, PhD!). I certainly wouldn't act like I have some sort of self-esteem issue by insisting that people call me doctor or introduce myself as doctor when the situation doesn't really call for it.

My juris doctor title has never been used since graduation. The Esquire is much cooler . . . ;) :D

I guess after reading through this thread I still don't understand the double standard. As someone who is going through the massive expense and time of schooling for a PhD (well, thats my goal at least, in MA right now), I don't get why medical doctors acceptably use the Dr. prefix while college professors are frowned upon with the use. I do get that there are a lot of pompous a-holes, like the ones who get it on their checks and license plates, but still. I'm halfway through my Master's and I don't think I'd be getting a PhD for another 5-10 years of school--and I will get paid about 10% of what any medical doctor makes.

I think it is more accepted that MDs use the "Dr" title and people are a little more cautious since they might need them someday so best not make too much noise. A PhD, well, less chance of needing him to fix my broken leg.

I didn't get the drift at all. I certainly didn't frown on my professors because they use the doctor title. Then again, they didn't make a big deal about it. It's all part of the academic environment. Again, medical doctors stole that title from the philosophy field. Fact.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTmXHvGZiSY

Dr. Evil clearly went to a good Evil school.:D