Letter

On the use of the title 'Dr.'

The online Merriam-Webster dictionary provides the following definitions for the word "doctor" when used as a noun:

1. a: an eminent theologian declared a sound expounder of doctrine by the Roman Catholic Church—called also doctor of the church

b a learned or authoritative teacher

c a person who has earned one of the highest academic degrees (as a Ph.D.) conferred by a university

d a person awarded an honorary doctorate (as an LLD or Litt D) by a college or university

2. a one skilled or specializing in healing arts; especially a physician, surgeon, dentist, or veterinarian who is licensed to practice

b medicine man

3. a material added (as to food) to produce a desired effect

b a blade (as of metal) for spreading a coating or scraping a surface

4. a person who restores or repairs things

Under this classification system, the learned teacher trumps the healer when using "doctor" as an adjective title.

As a verb, "doctor" has both positive and negative connotations:

1. a to give medical treatment to

b to restore to good condition: repair—doctor an old clock

2. a to adapt or modify for a desired end by alteration or special treatment—doctored the play to suit the audience; the drink was doctored

b to alter deceptively—accused of doctoring the election returns

Continuing with negative connotations, definitions are also presented for "snake doctor," "spin doctor" and "witch doctor."

Regarding local usage, I've noticed an interesting pattern during my 20 years as a faculty member with appointments in both the College of Engineering and School of Public Health. In engineering, where I spend most of my time, almost all students address faculty (mostly Ph.D.s) using the title "Professor"; while at Public Health, faculty (a mix of Ph.D.s, M.D.s and D.P.H.s) are typically addressed with the title "Doctor." Going beyond the editorial policy of the Record, I'm curious as to usage patterns in LSA, Business, Law and other units of the University. —(Dr.?) W. Monroe Keyserling Professor, Industrial and Operations Engineering

Editor's note: The University Record follows Associated Press style used by most newspapers which states: "Use Dr. in first reference as a formal title before the name of an individual who holds a doctor of dental surgery, doctor of medicine, doctor of osteopathy, or doctor of podiatric medicine degree: Dr. Jonas Salk

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