The question “if you have a PhD, are you a doctor?” is a common one, sparking debate and sometimes confusion. The short answer is generally yes, particularly within academia and in many parts of the world. However, the nuances of this title, especially when comparing it to medical doctors, are worth exploring. Let’s delve into the specifics, using the French academic system as a fascinating case study to understand the distinction between diplomas, degrees, and titles.
Decoding Diplomas, Degrees, and Titles
To understand why a PhD holder can be called “doctor,” it’s crucial to differentiate between three related but distinct concepts: diplomas, degrees, and titles.
- Diploma: This is a formal document certifying the completion of a specific course of study or training. Think of it as the certificate you receive upon graduation.
- Degree: This is an academic rank awarded by a university or college upon successful completion of a program. Degrees signify a level of academic achievement, such as Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate.
- Title: This is a formal designation that can be associated with a degree or professional qualification. “Doctor” is a title that, in academia, is directly linked to doctoral degrees like the PhD.
Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why someone with a PhD is indeed a doctor, albeit in a different context than a medical doctor.
PhD vs. Medical Doctor (MD): Two Paths to the Title “Doctor”
In many countries, including France, both PhDs and Medical Doctors (MDs) are entitled to use the title “doctor,” but the paths they take to earn this title are distinct.
The PhD Journey: Earning the Degree of Doctor
A PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, is the highest academic degree awarded after rigorous study and original research in a specific field. In France, the journey culminates in a “doctorat.” To achieve this, candidates must:
- Conduct years of in-depth research.
- Write a substantial dissertation, known as a “research thesis,” presenting original findings and contributions to their field.
- Successfully defend their thesis before an academic committee.
Upon successful completion, they are awarded a PhD diploma, which explicitly confers the university degree of doctor. This degree signifies expertise and the ability to conduct independent research.
The Medical Doctor (MD) Path: Becoming a Doctor of Medicine
The path to becoming a Medical Doctor (MD) is different, focusing on clinical practice and patient care. In France, medical studies lead to a State diploma of “doctor of medicine.” While this diploma allows graduates to practice medicine and is essential for healthcare professionals, it’s academically distinct from a PhD.
To obtain the MD diploma in France, students must:
- Complete extensive medical training.
- Write a “practice thesis,” or “thèse d’exercice.” Critically, this thesis is different from a PhD thesis. It often involves a review of existing literature or a case study and doesn’t necessarily require original research in the same vein as a PhD.
It’s important to note that while an MD diploma grants the title “doctor” for medical professionals, it doesn’t automatically confer the university degree of doctor in the academic sense. Someone with “only” an MD diploma who wishes to pursue university teaching or medical research in France would typically need to obtain a PhD in medicine, requiring them to undertake and defend a substantial research thesis. This is why some individuals may be considered “double doctors,” holding both an MD and a PhD.
Image alt text: A detailed view of a medical degree certificate, showcasing the formal recognition of medical expertise and the title of Doctor of Medicine.
The Legal Right to Use “Doctor” for PhD Holders: The French Case
Legally, in France, the right of PhD holders to use the title “docteur” (doctor) is firmly established. Both the PhD diploma and the MD diploma grant the legal right to use this title. French law explicitly reserves the title “doctor” for holders of these specific diplomas.
This legal recognition wasn’t always universally understood in practice. A notable case in France highlighted this point. A researcher at the CNRS (National Centre for Scientific Research), a prestigious French research institution, was criticized by a regional journal for using the title “Docteur” after signing an article. The journal argued he was “not a real doctor, but only a ‘mere scientist.'” This case went to the highest French court, the Cour de cassation, which in 2009 condemned the journal for defamation, affirming the PhD holder’s right to the title.
Further solidifying this, in 2013, French law was amended to explicitly state that PhD holders have the right to call themselves and be called “doctor” in professional settings. This legal precedent underscores that in France, and by extension in many academic contexts globally, a PhD unequivocally earns you the title of “doctor.”
Image alt text: An example of a PhD diploma, highlighting the formal awarding of the doctoral degree and the associated rights and title of Doctor.
Practical Usage: When Are PhDs Called “Doctor”?
Despite the legal right and academic recognition, the practical usage of the title “doctor” for PhD holders varies. In everyday situations, particularly in France, it’s more common to reserve the title “docteur” for medical doctors. It’s less frequent to hear PhD holders being addressed or introduced as “doctor” in casual conversation.
However, in more formal academic or professional settings, especially in writing, it is appropriate and sometimes expected to use the title “Dr.” for someone with a PhD. In international contexts, particularly in English-speaking countries, it is generally more common and accepted for PhD holders to use and be addressed as “doctor.”
In France, within academia, you might see “Dr.” used in faculty directories or formal documents, but it is still less prevalent in spoken introductions compared to the medical field. Interestingly, the original article author notes that they have primarily been called “doctor” by foreigners after earning their PhD, highlighting a cultural difference in title usage.
Conclusion: The Title of “Doctor” and the PhD
In conclusion, if you have earned a PhD, you are indeed a doctor. This is a reflection of the significant academic achievement, research expertise, and original contribution to knowledge that a PhD represents. While the practical usage of the title might vary culturally and contextually, especially when compared to medical doctors, the academic and legal basis for PhD holders to use the title “doctor” is clear and well-established in many countries, including France. Understanding the distinction between diplomas, degrees, and titles clarifies why both PhDs and MDs hold the title “doctor,” each representing distinct yet equally valuable forms of expertise and accomplishment.
