In the early days of my medical career, the title “Doctor” felt more like a costume than a genuine reflection of my identity. Introductions with “I’m Dr. Last Name” felt stilted, a far cry from the casual first-name basis I was used to. It was a lesson learned quickly – patients and the medical establishment often expect a certain formality, a professional distance signaled by the title. Yet, the journey of embracing and understanding this title is more nuanced than simply adopting a formal prefix.
Initially, the formality was jarring. Referring to myself as “Doctor” felt like an act, especially when my experience was still nascent. There was an internal struggle between the expected professional demeanor and my own sense of self. When I considered transitioning to pediatrics, the idea of “Dr. First Name” seemed appealing. It felt more approachable, especially for younger patients, and perhaps a way to bridge the gap between the formal title and personal connection.
The medical world operates on titles. Nurses, while sometimes seeking privacy by obscuring their last names, are also addressed with professional titles. Historically, “Sister First Name” was common, and in some cultures, “sister” persists. While “sister” might be outdated or gender-exclusive, the enduring nature of “doctor” as a title is undeniable. Patients often prefer and expect this formality, associating it with expertise and trust.
Thinking back to childhood, the use of titles was clearly defined. Family friends were “Mr. and Mrs. Last Name,” a sign of respect and distance. Only close relatives, aunts and uncles, were addressed by first names, but even then, preceded by their familial title – “Uncle John,” “Aunt Mary.” This upbringing instilled a sense of hierarchy and respect associated with titles, a framework that seemed to extend into the professional world of medicine.
As I progressed through medical school, the lines began to blur. With mentors, those attendings who offered guidance and support, the formality softened. Emails shifted to first names, and eventually, even spoken conversation became less rigid. Residency further nuanced this. Attendings were often comfortable with residents using their first names in informal settings, though this informality didn’t always extend to medical students or patient interactions.
The use of titles within the hospital is context-dependent. Hallways and workstations might be informal zones, but patient rooms demand a different register. This creates a kind of linguistic tightrope walk. It can feel performative when an attending uses “Dr. Last Name” in front of a patient, a title rarely used in direct, private conversation. Conversely, when a patient uses my first name, a subtle unease creeps in, a feeling that hadn’t existed before residency, suggesting an internalized expectation of formality.
Initially, seeing myself simply as my first name fostered a sense of openness and a willingness to seek advice. Asking nurses for guidance on patient care felt natural when I hadn’t fully embraced the “Doctor” title. However, as confidence grew and the “Dr.” title settled in, a shift occurred. A professional distance became ingrained. The resident workroom became my domain, a place where “the doctor” responds to pages, provides answers, and writes prescriptions. This distance, while perhaps necessary for professional function, is reinforced by the formality of the title.
Embroidered on white coats, business cards, and introductions, “Dr. Last Name” becomes a professional cloak. While it might inspire patient confidence, signaling expertise and authority, it can also create a barrier to genuine connection. Perhaps the ideal lies in finding a balance, embodying the professionalism inherent in the “Doctor” title while also fostering approachability, much like the comforting presence of a trusted “Uncle Doctor” – someone who is both knowledgeable and caring. We must carefully consider the implications of how we address ourselves and others, weighing the need for professional respect with the human desire for connection and trust in the patient-doctor relationship.
